Area Commander, National Protection and Programs Directorate, Federal Protective Service

Duty Station: Martinsburg, W.V.
Hometown: Mount Airy, Md.

NPPD FPS Area Commander Jerry Bartgis was on duty on Dec. 12, 2014 at the U.S. Department of Agriculture facility in Frederick, Md., when an employee was terminated. Following the termination notice, the employee left the building. Approximately ten minutes later, she was seen sitting on the ledge of a balcony outside the building. When she stood on the ledge Area Commander Bartgis and another agent grabbed her arms to prevent her from jumping. When she pulled away several times Bartgis reached over the railing and pulled the employee back to safety.