06/10/2026
Outstanding work!
The City of Greensburg proudly recognizes Officers Fazekas, Pennington, Judy, and Sergeant Hank Fontana for their courageous and professional actions during a critical incident that occurred on April 12, 2026.
At approximately 9:56 p.m., Greensburg Police officers responded to a report of an intoxicated and suicidal male walking in the area of West Newton Street. The individual was reported to be armed with a knife, suffering from multiple self-inflicted wounds, and experiencing severe emotional distress.
Officer Fazekas was the first officer to arrive on scene and observed the male climbing the fence of the West Newton Street bridge over Route 30 in an apparent attempt to jump. Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, Officer Fazekas climbed the bridge fence and physically secured the individual, who was covered in blood, while attempting to calm and reassure him.
Officer Pennington arrived moments later and immediately joined Officer Fazekas on the bridge fence, assisting in safely restraining the individual while continuing efforts to de-escalate the situation through calm communication, compassion, and encouragement.
Sergeant Fontana and Officer Judy then arrived on scene and climbed the bridge fence, assisting their fellow officers in safely bringing the individual back over the barrier and onto the sidewalk.
Through exceptional teamwork, professionalism, courage, and compassion, these officers prevented what could have been a tragic loss of life. Their actions required them to place themselves in an extremely dangerous position high above Route 30 while confronting an armed and emotionally unstable individual in crisis.
Due to their swift response, composure under pressure, and unwavering commitment to preserving human life, Officers Fazekas, Pennington, Judy, and Sergeant Hank Fontana are hereby awarded the Life Saving Award in recognition of their outstanding service, bravery, and dedication to the City of Greensburg and the community they proudly serve.
The police body-worn camera footage is startling: A bloody man is perched on a Route 30 overpass, gripping a fence and making suicidal comments as Greensburg Officer Jacob Fazekas arrives. Traffic can be heard passing on the highway below the West Newton Road bridge. Fazekas is calm, repeatedly aski...
