A major bridge connecting the United States and Canada was closed for several hours Saturday after a border worker committed suicide on the job.
The Border Patrol agent's identity has not been released, but authorities said he is Canadian.
The Ambassador Bridge, which connects Ontario, Canada, and Detroit, Michigan, was closed to traffic around 10:25 a.m. Saturday. Windsor Police said it reopened at 3:12 p.m.
The Customs and Immigration Union released a statement Sunday saying, “A Border Patrol agent lost his life in the line of duty.”
The Ambassador Bridge, which connects Ontario, Canada, and Detroit, Michigan, was closed to traffic around 10:25 a.m. Saturday. Windsor police said it reopened at 3:12 p.m.
“We would like to express our deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this difficult situation,” the union said. said.
“Incidents like this highlight the challenges that public safety personnel can face throughout their careers and highlight the need for a comprehensive mental health support system and the importance of removing barriers to accessing these services. ” in both professional and personal settings.
“These tragedies also remind us of the importance of supporting each other in times of hardship.
“The death of a member is difficult for everyone and we recognize the impact this sad event has on our community.”
Photo: Ambassador Bridge when closed by protesters on February 11, 2022
The four-lane Ambassador Bridge, which crosses the Detroit River, is the busiest border crossing in the United States in terms of trade volume.
Traffic was diverted to the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel while the toll bridge was closed Saturday.
The Customs and Immigration Union urged employees who need assistance in the aftermath of the tragedy to confidentially seek assistance by calling the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 1.877.367.0809 (TTY: 1.877.338.0275).
You can also find support by calling 988 through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
