Officers from Edmonds-based VFW Post 8870 visited the Mukilteo Police Station earlier this week to present the VFW Life Saving Award to Police Officer Brenda Greenmun.

This award is made to individuals whose heroic actions save the life of another person. The Post’s Safety Officer, Jim Collins, nominated Greenmun for the award, and Mukilteo Police Chief Rex Caldwell arranged for the brief ceremony to take place prior to the start of the evening shift. Post Commander Jim Traner presented Greenmun with a certificate of appreciation from the VFW National Commander in Chief.

On Aug. 6, 2011, Greenmun was conducting a routine traffic stop on I-5 when she noticed a woman who was attempting to climb over the railing on an overpass above the interstate. Greenmun quickly made her way to the overpass and engaged the woman — who was threatening to jump and take her life — in conversation. She reassured the woman that she did not have a gun, was able to gain the woman’s trust and successfully led her off the bridge and to safety. Later, police discovered a suicide note in the woman’s purse. Thanks to Greenmun’s quick thinking and caring and sensitive approach, the incident was brought to a peaceful and successful conclusion.

Upon receiving the award, Greenmun — a 13-year veteran of the Mukilteo Police Department — indicated that she was humbled to receive the award and that she was only doing her job.