Additional Information on Speakers Sgt. Kevin Briggs and Kevin Berthia
-How are Sgt. Kevin Briggs and Kevin Berthia connected?
Sgt. Kevin Briggs was the patrol officer whose compassionate voice and listening ear prevented Berthia from taking his own life at the Golden Gate Bridge 10 years ago. Briggs is called the Guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge and has saved hundreds of lives, spending up to 7 hours talking on the scene to bring a suicide attempter back over the rail. Briggs is dedicated to stopping the suicide epidemic and committed to destigmatizing this crisis.
Kevin Berthia is a grateful suicide survivor and suicide prevention advocate. Kevin was born with a genetic major depression disorder that he inherited from his biological mother. In 2005 at the age of 22, Kevin attempted to take his own life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. After jumping the railing, he stood on a 4 inch narrow cord about 220 feet in the air. For 96 minutes, with nothing to stop him from falling except first responder Sgt. Briggs, who eventually talked him back over the railing.
Kevin Berthia and Kevin Briggs reunited 8 years later when Berthia presented the Public Service Award to the man who saved him at an American Foundation for Suicide Prevention event.
-How does the presentation work?
Briggs presents first about his experiences in helping to convince more than 200 people on the precipice of death not to take their lives. Briggs then introduces Berthia, who presents on his battle with depression and second chance at life.
Briggs and Berthia share the stage at the conclusion to discuss their special bond... and audiences love seeing the transformation from past crisis to current inspiration as dual speakers united for suicide prevention. After the presentation, both Berthia and Briggs answer questions together. The presentation is 100 minutes to include Q&A. This is a unique opportunity for the audience to question both an attempt survivor and law enforcement officer side-by-side and makes for a dynamic conclusion.
-How will this impact the audience?
Having both speak opens up the opportunity to make this a community-wide event. This event will attract many different sectors from the local community.
The speakers present a powerful message of recovery and prevention that visibly moves the audience. It is not uncommon to have members in the audience who are in need finally reach out for help through counseling or local crisis support centers.
Audiences regularly give standing ovations, wait in line for book signings or simply linger after the presentation for a hug and to further connect with Briggs and Berthia. This is a presentation that has the audience thinking and talking about it for many months to follow.
How to we get these speakers to our area?
Connect with Phyllis Parsons at The Parsons Company, Inc. She has been working
nationwide for the last 42 years, bringing top rated speakers and concerts to the area.
Phyllis knows how to navigate the logistics of getting the speakers to your event including dealing with budget issues, travel arrangements and lodging. She is very creative in finding a solution that works for your department and is committed to bringing this important message of prevention to your community.
