A local business owner and teacher who rescued a man from an overpass during a mental health crisis was honored Monday with a Meritorious Service Award presented by Marysville Fire District, Marysville Police Department and the City of Marysville. 

As Darrell Walker drove westbound on 88th Street the afternoon of Feb. 3, he noticed traffic at a standstill. A man was distraught and threatening to jump from the Quilceda Creek overpass. Walker parked his vehicle, instructed his oldest child to call 911, and approached the distressed man from a distance. He continued a conversation with the man until he was able to safely approach and physically secure him from falling. Walker stayed with the man until Marysville Police arrived. Firefighters later transported the man to a hospital for an evaluation. 

“I feel like God placed me there in that moment to save that young man,” Walker said. “He had said to me after I pulled him back over the railing that he had had a rough couple of months and couldn’t do it anymore. We all have had a rough time with this pandemic and we need to be there for each other. We need to come together as a community and serve and love one another.” 

Chief McFalls, Police Chief Eric Scairpon and Assistant Police Chief Jim Lawless presented Walker with a plaque honoring his actions during a small ceremony Monday at Tulalip’s Heritage High School, where Walker teaches Physical Education. Walker formally accepted the award during Monday evening’s virtual Marysville City Council meeting. 

“With care and compassion and strong communication skills, Darrell Walker was able to turn this situation around,” Fire Chief Martin McFalls said. “This was an exceptional act of courage that saved someone’s life.”