A Kidder Township police officer was recognized for helping avert a tragedy after spending more than two hours talking a suicidal man off a rooftop last month.

Officer Mason Moran received a plaque and commendation from the township for his actions during a Sept. 5 incident in which a man threatened to jump from the roof of his home.

Moran remained in contact with the man for more than two hours while emergency crews worked to bring specialized equipment to the scene. Once a firetruck equipped with a bucket arrived, Moran was lifted to roof level, where he continued speaking with the man and ultimately persuaded him to climb into the bucket with him.

Both were then safely lowered to the ground.

“It was great to be able to help someone when they were really down,” Moran said at the recent township supervisors meeting.

Moran credited his Crisis Intervention Team training for helping him successfully navigate the situation. Before becoming a police officer, Moran served in the Army.

He previously worked as a police officer in Pittston City and joined the Kidder Township Police Department five years ago.

Police Chief Matt Kuzma praised Moran’s response.

“Officer Moran’s patience and compassion while dealing with this male prevented a tragedy,” Kuzma said. “His actions exemplify what it means to be a Kidder Township officer.”