He had tied a torn shirt around his neck and was threatening to hang himself, according to the LAPD.
Officers positioned themselves to take lifesaving action while Los Angeles Fire Department personnel extended a ladder to the man and positioned an air bag beneath him, police said.
"When the man let go of his grip on the pole, he hung himself by the neck with his feet dangling in the air," according to an LAPD statement. "Officers Joseph Marx and Chris Ignacio took direct action and ... saved the man's life."'
"I could not be prouder of the supervisors and officers who brought this incident to a successful and safe conclusion," Hollywood Station watch commander Lt. Scott Murray said.