Crisis Averted: What Happened at the Bear Mountain Bridge?

A scary situation on the Bear Mountain Bridge was deescalated yesterday by authorities from several different agencies in Orange County, NY.

Across the many law enforcement departments in the Hudson Valley, specialized teams are dispatched when certain skills are needed. This week, the Orange County Sheriff Office's Crisis Negotiation Team was in the spotlight.

Police Activity on the Bear Mountain Bridge

On Wednesday, May 28th 2025 at 12:523 P.M., the New York State Bridge Authority shared that the Bear Mountain Bridge had suspended traffic in both directions due to "police activity". Today, the Orange County Sheriff's Office expanded on the event.

Crisis Negotiation Team on the Bear Mountain Bridge

"Yesterday, our Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) sprang into action on the Bear Mountain Bridge", began their recent post on Facebook (below). As they explained, the team was called to help assist with a mental health crisis.

"Police Activity" on the Bear Mountain Bridge Explained

The Sheriff's Office shared that the response was a cooperative effort from several different agencies, with a photograph showing sheriff deputies and county police officers as well as other first responders in safety helmets and harnesses.

Read More: New "FLY-Car" Is Program Approved for Orange County, NY Deputies

Recently the Orange County Sheriff's Office shared news of another accomplishment when the agency was approved for the Basic Life Support-First Response (BLSFR) agency code, which allows qualified deputies to act as an intermediary EMT in time-sensitive situations (link above).