SAN ANTONIO, Tex. –
A San Antonio woman is thankful to be alive after a U.S. Army recruiter’s quick thinking saved her life during a moment of crisis.
While on his way to work, Sgt. 1st Class Frinsel Simprevil, an Army Recruiter at the Park North Recruiting Station in San Antonio, noticed a woman standing on the edge of a highway bridge, looking down at the passing cars below. She had one leg raised over the railing, prompting him to make a U-turn. Upon approaching her, he realized she was in significant distress.
The woman, a 25-year-old married mother of three young children, was overwhelmed by her circumstances. Her youngest child was just 11 months old, and with her husband in jail, she faced mounting pressures, including the fear of eviction and the possibility of losing custody of her children. Struggling to cope, she was contemplating ending her life.
Simprevil stopped his car and approached her, engaging her in conversation about the issues she was experiencing. Over the course of 45 minutes, he spoke calmly and compassionately, helping her feel heard and supported. Despite numerous vehicles passing by, Simprevil was the only one who stopped to assist her.
“Why wouldn’t I help? As a human being, it’s my responsibility to support others in times of need,” Simprevil said. “The moment I recognized something was wrong, I didn’t hesitate—I knew I had to step in. I did what was necessary to intervene and prevent the suicide attempt.”
Simprevil’s Army training in suicide prevention and resilience played a critical role in the outcome. As a certified Master Resilience Trainer, he drew on his expertise to communicate effectively with the woman, helping her regulate her emotions and regain a sense of stability.
“I focused on having a calm, normal conversation, discussing topics like hobbies, interests, faith, family, and everyday things that help create a sense of connection and normalcy,” Simprevil explained.
Capt. Mary Hassell, Company Commander of the San Antonio East Recruiting Company, praised Simprevil’s actions.
“My first thought when I heard my Soldier prevented a suicide was, ‘Wow, thank you, God, for placing him in the right place at the right time to save a life,’” Hassell said. “It was not a surprise that the Soldier was Sgt. 1st Class Simprevil.”
Hassell emphasized the importance of suicide prevention and resiliency training in equipping individuals to recognize and respond to crises.
“Since Sgt. 1st Class Simprevil’s arrival to my company, he has been an exceptional leader—a leader who not only focuses on the mission but also genuinely cares about people,” Hassell said. “It has been a pleasure having him in San Antonio East Company.”
Originally from Hollywood, Florida, Simprevil joined the Army in 2011 as a Financial Management Technician and has been a recruiter since 2017. His decision to enlist was motivated by a deep sense of duty to his country and a commitment to protecting the freedoms and values that define the United States.
For his act of heroism, Simprevil received a note of appreciation from the United States Army Recruiting Command commanding general and a coin from his brigade commander.
Soldiers, family members, or civilians experiencing relationship issues, financial setbacks, substance abuse, or legal troubles are at a higher risk of suicidal thoughts or self-harm. While September is designated as National Suicide Prevention Month, support is available year-round. Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or considering suicide can call the Military Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1. The service is free, confidential, and available 24/7.