Since its majestic inauguration in 1937, the golden gate has become the most iconic symbol of San Francisco. However, beneath its beauty lies a sad reality: More than 4,500 people have decided to end their lives by jumping from their heights. Every year, according to official statistics, around 60 individuals immersed themselves in the cold waters of the bay. This bridge, which connects the city with Marin County, is not only a transit passage, but a tragic final destination for many. Now, after much demand, the construction of a steel network to prevent suicides has been completed..
Kevin Briggs, a calm-looking man with gray hair, knows these grim numbers by heart. For more than two decades, his life was intertwined with the fate of the Golden Gate. Working in the California Highway Patrol (California Highway Patrol), their main task was to patrol the area around the bridge. However, his true mission was revealed in the humanity of his work: preventing hundreds of people from making the final leap.
Briggs no longer patrols the bridge, but his legacy lives on. Although he is not the prototype of a superhero, many consider him one. “We lose many people a year,” he comments, with a calmness that contrasts with the gravity of his words.
Briggs is a man who has faced death on multiple occasions, not only for his work but also in his personal life. He entered the United States Army in the infantry unit of the airborne forces, but his career was abruptly interrupted. In 1983, at only 20 years old, he was diagnosed with a Testicular cancer. Three surgeries and several months of chemotherapy later, he realized his time in the Army was over. He served 21 years in a hospital, and recovery was slow and painful.
Despite these challenges, his determination led him to work in the administration department of the prison of Saint Quentin, the only one in California with a death row for men and an execution chamber. This experience, along with the death of his grandfather by suicide when he was a child and the loss of his mother to lung cancer two years later, shaped his view of life and death.
Briggs’ battle with her own depression began at age 26. “I didn’t want to do anything, not play with my dog, not go shopping… It was as if my body was moving on its own,” she remembers. Today she continues taking two medications to maintain her emotional balance. His personal experience with depression gave him a unique perspective, helping him save lives from his position with the California Highway Patrol.
In each encounter with a person on the brink, Briggs would reach out and speak softly, searching for a human connection that might give them a reason to continue. Pivotal Points, the organization he founded, reflects his commitment to raising awareness about mental illness and its potential consequences. Kevin Briggs, the Guardian of the Golden Gate, is a living testament that sometimes a single individual can make a monumental difference in a world full of despair.
Kevin Briggs, with his calm appearance and measured words, approached individuals on the edge of the abyss with a simple but powerful strategy. Instead of imposing authority, he presented himself as an equal, a human being willing to listen. “How are you? What plan do you have for tomorrow?”, were the questions that used to break the barrier of silence and despair. These simple words, loaded with empathy, allowed us to open a crucial communication channel.
Briggs quickly learned that Shouting or attempting sudden movements would only exacerbate the situation. His focus was on closeness and patience.. Many times, those on the verge of jumping suffered from mental illness and had not taken their medication, making them more vulnerable. Briggs became a bridge to hope, talking about possible futures, small tasks or even making plans together, shining a light in the midst of darkness.
Kevin Briggs’ experience and success did not go unnoticed. He received numerous awards for his work, not only in recognition of his efforts, but as a symbol of hope for the community. His story and his methods became an example for other officers and professionals in the field of mental health. The creation of Pivotal Points It was a natural step in her professional evolution, focusing on raising awareness and supporting those dealing with mental illness.
Since his retirement in California Highway Patrol, Briggs has dedicated his life to travel, sharing his knowledge and experience at conferences around the world. Canada, Mexico and Germany have witnessed her message, which underscores the importance of empathy and timely intervention. Her book, a best-seller in the United States, offers an in-depth look at her 23 years of service, illustrating how her own struggle with depression was key to understanding and helping others.
Among the many lives touched by Briggs, that of Kevin Berthia stands out for its resonance and depth. In 2005, Berthia, a young African-American man, stood beyond the Golden Gate guard rail, ready to jump. Desperation had brought him to that point, but it was Briggs’ calm voice and simple questions that made him stop.
For 92 minutes, Kevin Briggs spoke to Berthia, not as an officer, but as a friend. He talked about his daughter, about the small details that could still give her a reason to live. Berthia remembers that, looking towards the water, she only saw “peace.” But Briggs’ constant presence, his voice without judgment, transformed that peace into a new perspective of hope.
This meeting was just the beginning of a relationship that would last. Years later, Berthia became an advocate for suicide prevention and shared his story to help others. The photograph from that day, with Berthia standing on the edge and Briggs leaning over the railing, became a symbol of hope and redemption.
In 2013, during a dinner at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Berthia presented an award to Briggs, which publicly recognized the impact he had on her life. Although media reports simplified his story, Berthia took the opportunity to tell the truth about him: “Officer Briggs saved my life twice”he said, referring to both the day on the bridge and the lasting impact of his intervention.
The name of Kevin Briggs has become synonymous with hope and resilience. His contribution has gone beyond patrols and rescues at the Golden Gate. The creation of Pivotal Points has allowed it to continue its mission in a broader way, providing resources and support to those in crisis. The organization works tirelessly to raise awareness about mental illness and encourage effective interventions.
Briggs remains a pillar in his community, an ordinary man who has done extraordinary things. His actions demonstrate that, with empathy and dedication, it is possible to make a significant difference in the lives of others. As he continues to ask those in despair, “What plan do you have for tomorrow?”continues to illuminate paths that many believed were dark and impassable.
In the United States, there is the National Suicide Prevention Network to ask for help, you can call 1-888-628-9454 or 1-800-273-8255, the National Suicide Prevention Service line, to talk to someone that will provide you with free and confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. CDC also recommends its own prevention policies, programs, and practices.
Suicide prevention line in Argentina: the Suicide Assistance Center offers guidance and support. They have a suicide prevention line available at telephone 135 (toll-free) or at (011)5275-1135 and 0800 345 1435 for calls from all over the country.
In Mexico, for those seeking help or assistance in relation to suicide, there is the Life Line: 800-911-2000, this service is free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In Colombia, the Line of Life provides emotional support to individuals facing suicide or anguish crises. This service is available in several cities in the country. In Bogotá, you can contact us through line 106 or via WhatsApp at 3007548933. Barranquilla has line 339 99 99, while in Medellín there is the Línea Amiga at 444 44 48.
In Cali, as in Bogotá, the hotline is 106. These lines offer an immediate response to those who need help in critical moments.
In Peru, the Ministry of Health (Minsa) offers emotional support through Line 113 Salud, accessible nationally by telephone, WhatsApp or Telegram at the numbers 955557000 and 952842623.
In Spain, the Ministry of Health has established Line 024 for attention to suicidal behavior.
