Gilpin police officer commended for saving man's life

Gilpin Patrolman T.J. Bajack received a surprise during the supervisors meeting Tuesday night.

Police Chief Christopher Fabec presented Bajack with the department’s first certificate of commendation for an incident Bajack handled that saved a man’s life.

“It’s nice to see some good come out of a situation that could’ve ended bad,” Bajack said.

On June 13, Bajack was dispatched to Folks Church Road and Route 66 for a man standing in the middle of the road, police said.

Upon arrival in the 700 block, Bajack encountered a man who immediately put his hands behind his back, according to a report Fabec presented during the meeting.

Fabec said the man refused to listen to Bajack’s commands to show his hands.

The man said he had a 9 mm gun and wanted to die, according to Fabec’s report. Police said the man stated he was under the influence of narcotics and was tired of living.

Bajack took the time to talk to the man, building a relationship with him, which led to the man confirming he had a handgun behind his back, Fabec said.

The man told Bajack he intended to head to the Gilpin police station because he wanted the police to end his life, police said.

To deescalate the situation, Bajack said, he focused on changing the subject from what was bothering the man.

Bajack said situations like these are rare, and he was happy to be able to get the man the help he needed.

After the incident, Fabec said, the man’s wife contacted the Gilpin Police Department to tell them her husband received the help he needed because of their efforts.

“I am glad to see he is doing better,” Bajack said.

Fabec said he has known Bajack for 15 years and was confident he could handle the situation.

“I was proud and excited to hear it worked out for him in the end,” Fabec said.

Supervisor Charles Stull praised Bajack for his actions.

“We often see, in today’s world, situations like that blowing out of proportion, and you did a good job deescalating the situation and doing your job,” he said.