On March 11, 2005, twenty two year old Kevin Berthia stood on a narrow pipe on the outside railing of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, 220 feet above the cold water of the bay.

Kevin, who had struggled most of his life with a major depression disorder, woke up feeling hopeless that morning and could only think about stopping the pain he was feeling. A recent job loss and mounting bills had pushed him to his limit.

As Kevin was preparing to carry out his plan, he suddenly heard a voice call out to him. That voice belonged to California Highway Patrolman, Kevin Briggs. 

Over the next ninety two minutes, Officer Briggs provided a caring, listening ear and offered words of hope to Kevin Berthia. At first, Kevin felt anger toward the voice on the other side of the railing because it was interrupting his plan to get out of pain. However, things began to change the longer Kevin spoke and Officer Briggs listened. Kevin eventually felt enough hope to climb back over the railing to safety.

In this episode of Your History Your Story, we will be speaking with both, Kevin Berthia and Kevin Briggs, who retired from the California Highway Patrol in 2013 after 20 years of service. The two men will recount the events of that day in 2005 & their subsequent reunion in 2013.

Today, these two men, who have become close friends, are mental health and suicide prevention advocates and speakers, who work tirelessly, both individually and together to help bring hope to others and save lives.

Note: This episode discusses suicide prevention. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 

1.800.273.TALK(8225)

https://kevinberthiafoundation.org

https://www.pivotal-points.com

Photo(s): Courtesy of Kevin Berthia and Kevin Briggs

Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man