News Summary

Wayne Strickland, a retired firefighter from Coronado, is passionately advocating for suicide prevention on the San Diego-Coronado Bridge. His efforts come from a deep understanding of the mental health issues surrounding the area, which he experienced firsthand during his firefighting career. After witnessing numerous tragedies on the bridge, Strickland has engaged with community leaders to implement changes, including new safety measures and a comprehensive study to prevent future suicides. His commitment highlights the important role of community awareness and action in addressing mental health crises.

Wayne Strickland’s Lifelong Fight for Suicide Prevention on the San Diego-Coronado Bridge Yields Progress

In the beautiful city of Coronado, nestled right next to San Diego, a local hero is making strides in a cause that weighs heavily on his heart: suicide prevention on the iconic San Diego-Coronado Bridge. For those who don’t know, Wayne Strickland is a retired firefighter with deep roots in this community, having called Coronado home since March 1967. His passion and dedication shine through as he advocates for change, driven by the trauma he witnessed throughout his storied career in firefighting.

A Community Background

Wayne’s journey began long before he became a firefighter. He joined the Navy right before his 18th birthday, eventually serving during the Vietnam War on the Kitty Cruiser. After he left the service, he pursued a degree in fire science at San Diego City College. From 1967 until 1999, Strickland was a dedicated member of the Coronado Fire Department, giving back to the community he loved. Over the years, he has invested in multiple properties in the area since the 1980s and is proud of his family legacy, with three of his children graduating from local schools.

The Bridge and Its Toll

As a firefighter, Strickland was grimly aware of the distressing reality that many individuals struggled with mental health issues. His concerns about suicide prevention emerged sharply after he confronted numerous tragic incidents on the San Diego-Coronado Bridge, a location noted as the leading suicide bridge in the nation. Strickland experienced firsthand the heart-wrenching reality of transporting victims to the hospital without ever being able to save a life. This fueled his commitment to the cause, leading him to become an active participant in a Facebook group dedicated to suicide prevention, which boasts a community of over 1,400 members.

Advocating for Change

Wayne’s journey didn’t stop at online discussions; he actively sought to engage with various stakeholders, including CalTrans and local officials like Scott Peters, to address the pressing issue of bridge suicides. Strickland’s tireless efforts bore fruit in 2019 when California passed legislation mandating CalTrans to respond to this urgent crisis. However, the initial measures, like the installation of bird spikes, didn’t yield the desired results in preventing tragedies.

In response, a comprehensive five-year study was set in motion to explore long-term solutions for suicide prevention on the bridge. The anticipated plan involves the installation of a vertical cantilevered net structure designed to deter jumpers, with hopes for completion by 2027. The contract for construction was awarded to Myers & Taylor Contractors, and while this is encouraging, Strickland cannot help but express his frustration over the drawn-out timeline. He believes the community is counting on faster action from CalTrans.

The Ripple Effect of Tragedy

Wayne’s commitment to this cause is not just professional; it’s personal. He has lost friends to suicide off the bridge and understands the immense impact these losses have on families and friends left behind. He stresses the importance of community awareness regarding the profound effects of every single loss.

In an attempt to mitigate disruptions caused by suicide attempts, a new policy was recently implemented allowing one lane of traffic to remain open while police negotiate with individuals threatening to jump.

Continued Advocacy and Community Action

Wayne is not one to back down easily. He leads numerous local initiatives to raise awareness and prevent suicides in the community. Though he is an advocate for action, he also believes in fostering kindness and understanding. He wants to ensure that mental health is prioritized in Coronado and is working on additional safety measures, including retrofitting older buildings that do not have fire sprinkler systems.

While he may face political hurdles along the way, Wayne Strickland remains committed to one overarching goal: to eradicate all suicides from the San Diego-Coronado Bridge. For him, every life matters, and he hopes to inspire others in the community to join him in this critical fight for change.

As he continues to participate in biking and community events, Strickland feels fortunate to call Coronado home and remains optimistic about the future.

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Author: RISadlog

Tagged Coronado bridge, Coronado community, Coronado news