This is the dramatic moment police officers rescued a distressed man from falling off a closed sky bridge in Tennessee.

Authorities received a call just before 9 am local time on January 8 about a man in crisis standing on the edge of the bridge above the French Broad River in Sevierville.

Officers from SPD's Crisis Negotiation Team, Patrol Division, Community Resource Unit, Criminal Investigation Division, and Command responded immediately.

CID Sergeant Dweese Milliron, the lead negotiator, made contact with the man, who was perched on a small ledge beyond the railing.

As the man let go, Milliron and crisis counselor William Rickels grabbed him, prompting other officers to rush in and assist.

Heart-stopping footage shows responders dashing towards them, helping to pull the man to safety.

Both the man and the officers sustained minor scrapes and bruises, but no serious injuries were reported.

The wooden planks of the bridge, in poor condition, broke in several places during the rescue, adding to the danger.

SPD Chief Joseph Manning said: 'These men and women put their own lives in harm's way to save a man who was in obvious crisis.

'We are so thankful that the man was unharmed and is safe. The actions and bravery of these officers illustrate what can happen on any given day as they serve and protect our community. I cannot be prouder of their actions, as well as those of Mr. Rickels, who stepped in to assist in this rescue.'

A total of 15 officers took part in the operation. The man was taken for further evaluation following the dramatic rescue.