Ring Road driver awarded for helping suicidal woman

When a woman went to a bridge over Ring Road to end her life, she instead found her saviour.

In September 2018, Carman Dodman was driving home when he spotted something he couldn’t ignore.

“She was actually just climbing over the railing and hanging on with one arm,” he said.

Dodman saw a break in the traffic along Ring Road and decided to act.

“I think it was just a natural reflex to get over there and do something,” said Dodman.

He drove through the median and up the other side, putting himself in harm’s way to block traffic with his vehicle. He parked his truck under the Wascana Parkway bridge, waving at traffic while trying to persuade the woman to stop what she was doing.

“I just remember the tears running down her face from under her glasses and thinking she just can’t do this,” said Dodman.

After convincing the woman not to act, she climbed back over the railing got into a car.

On Tuesday, Dodman was awarded the Chief’s Commendation for bravery by the Regina Police Service. Police said he took action when others did not and applaud him for his intervention and actions which saved the woman’s life.

In accepting the award, Dodman returned his thanks.

“I feel grateful that I was able to be there and do what I did. Also, that these police officers do this every day. I really got to appreciate what they do more.”