Guardian Security
On November 10, 1977--the Marine Corps’ Birthday-- Giffird lost his desire to live. After months of living on the streets, struggling with intense depression and despair, he climbed the fire escape to the top of a high-rise building and stood on the rooftop ledge, ready to jump. Just before he took that final step, a loud voice called out, “What are you doing on top of my building?” Giffird turned around quickly and responded, “I’m enjoying the view.”
“Come down off that ledge!” yelled the Security Guard. Giffird backed down, and the guard took him to a small security office. Instead of treating him like a criminal, Giffird was surprised—the guard treated him like a friend. They chatted for a long time, and when they finished, he walked Giffird to the front door of the building and let him out. As Giffird turned to walk away, the guard said, “Hey, could you do me a favor?” “Sure,” Giffird replied. “Always remember how your sister would feel if she woke up one morning to discover she no longer had the brother that I know she looks up to and loves.” The security guard then handed Giffird a small booklet as he locked the door and walked away.
On November 10, 1977--the Marine Corps’ Birthday-- Giffird lost his desire to live. After months of living on the streets, struggling with intense depression and despair, he climbed the fire escape to the top of a high-rise building and stood on the rooftop ledge, ready to jump. Just before he took that final step, a loud voice called out, “What are you doing on top of my building?” Giffird turned around quickly and responded, “I’m enjoying the view.”
“Come down off that ledge!” yelled the Security Guard. Giffird backed down, and the guard took him to a small security office. Instead of treating him like a criminal, Giffird was surprised—the guard treated him like a friend. They chatted for a long time, and when they finished, he walked Giffird to the front door of the building and let him out. As Giffird turned to walk away, the guard said, “Hey, could you do me a favor?” “Sure,” Giffird replied. “Always remember how your sister would feel if she woke up one morning to discover she no longer had the brother that I know she looks up to and loves.” The security guard then handed Giffird a small booklet as he locked the door and walked away.