A Jacksonville Sheriff is being hailed a hero after praying for a man who was ready to jump off a bridge, ultimately saving his life. Seven officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office rushed to the scene following calls that came in about a man who was in distress.  Officer Antonio Richardson was initially directing traffic nearby, but turns out he was in the right place at the right time.

Officer Richardson, who is also a pastor, approached the man with his faith.

“Whatever you’re going through, man, you can get through it,” Richardson said. “Let’s talk about it for a minute … You believe in prayer, I know that … Just touch my hand. Just touch my hand, man, I’m praying with you.”

Body camera footage captured the heartfelt exchange, which lasted for over 30 minutes. During the tense moments, the young man discussed his love for his family. Pastor Richardson spoke to this.

“If you jump, you’re going to hurt other people. And they’re going to be hurting just like you’re hurting now … The cycle’s gotta stop,” he told him.

In an interview on “Fox & Friends,” Richardson explained how he believes he was supposed to be there that night.

“When I got the call, I was just there to stop the traffic,” he said. “And then a couple of other officers who knew my position as a pastor asked me to come over and talk with the guy. … Nothing was scripted. … I did not want to see him jump.”

Richardson said the moment the man walked off the bridge brought overwhelming relief.

“It was a prayer answered,” the officer recalled. “I was relieved. Immediately after, I called my wife and I just broke down crying. It was overwhelming. … I just went inside of my patrol car and just wept like a baby because I saw a miracle. To me, that was a miracle from God.”