NEWARK -- A man hanging off the Bridge Street bridge was rescued by Newark emergency responders Wednesday morning after he said he would jump from the crossing, authorities confirmed.

Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose credited the city police division's Emergency Services Unit, firefighters and emergency medical crews for coordinating during the rescue.

Police received a 911 call around 5:30 a.m. from a passerby who said the man threatened to jump from the bridge over the Passaic River.

Members of the police ESU team initially spoke to the man on the ledge, trying to convince him to come to safety. A Newark fire division boat was positioned near the bridge. Another responder in a harness was also lowered from the bridge.

Emergency medical crews brought the man to University Hospital for evaluation, Ambrose added.

Roads in the area were reopened around 7 a.m. after the dramatic rescue.

"I commend members of the Emergency Services Unit and Fire Division for their quick action and skills in preserving lives," Ambrose said in a statement late Wednesday morning. "Today's rescue showed great coordination by police, fire and EMS."

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc and on Facebook. Find NJ.com on Facebook.