A Westport police office is credited with helping prevent an emotionally distraught man from jumping off a Merritt Parkway bridge in an apparent attempt to commit suicide early Wednesday.

The incident took place about 6:45 a.m. Wednesday as Officer Brian Meraviglia, who was driving through Fairfield on his way to work, noticed a man leaning over the abutment of the Redding Road bridge spanning the parkway in that town.

It appeared to Meraviglia that the man intended to jump off the bridge, so the officer pulled over and started talking to the agitated man to engage his attention, according to the report.

As they talked, Meraviglia was able to get close enough to the man to pull him away from the abutment. Then, in a safer location, the officer — joined by a concerned passerby — continued talking with the man and offered emotional support.

Fairfield police officers trained in dealing with people suffering an emotional crisis, as well as State Police troopers, also arrived on the scene a short time later.

The man was later taken to a hospital for a mental evaluation.

Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas said he is proud of Meraviglia, noting that the officer’s quick response averted a potentially tragic incident.

Anyone contemplating suicide or who may know someone who might be can find suicide-prevention resources from the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

More help is available from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.