National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Announces April 2026 Officers of the Month
Texas officers recognized after rescuing a mother and three children from rapidly rising floodwaters during severe storm conditions
WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 27, 2026) – The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) today announced Sergeant John Banner, Officer Christopher Wiseman, and Officer Brian Leal of the White Settlement (TX) Police Department as the Officers of the Month for April 2026. These officers were selected for their actions when they conducted a water rescue in rapidly moving floodwaters, utilizing jumper cables as an improvised rescue line to assist in safely rescuing a mother and her three children.
The incident occurred during severe weather conditions in White Settlement, Texas, after officers responded to reports of a vehicle stranded in rising floodwater near a drainage channel. Upon arrival, Sgt. Banner observed that the vehicle had become trapped as fast-moving water continued rising around it, creating an immediate danger for the occupants inside and nearby.
Sgt. Banner first secured the three children inside his patrol vehicle while Officer Wiseman and Officer Leal assisted in efforts to safely reach the children’s mother, who was unable to exit the vehicle due to the strength of the current. Without immediate access to standard water rescue equipment, the officers improvised by using jumper cables from a patrol vehicle as a makeshift rescue line. Following instructions from Sgt. Banner, the mother secured the cables around her chest and under her arms while the officers anchored the opposite end to stabilize her against the rushing water until additional emergency personnel arrived.
Firefighters later secured the vehicle and assisted in bringing the scene under control. All four family members were evaluated by medical personnel and reported unharmed.
“The actions taken by Sergeant Banner, Officer Wiseman, and Officer Leal demonstrate the adaptability and teamwork often required during emergency situations,” said Bill Alexander, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. “Their ability to respond quickly under dangerous conditions contributed directly to the safe rescue of this family, and we are honored to award them the Officers of the Month for April 2026.”
The Officer of the Month Award Program is sponsored by the Police Unity Tour and recognizes federal, state, and local officers who distinguish themselves through exemplary law enforcement service and devotion to duty.
— www.NLEOMF.org —
About the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund
Established in 1984, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the fallen, telling the story of American law enforcement, and making it safer for those who serve. The first pillar of this mission, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., honors the names of all the 24,775 officers who have died in the line of duty to date throughout U.S. history. Additionally, NLEOMF maintains and publishes comprehensive details on the circumstances surrounding official line-of-duty deaths. The Officer Safety and Wellness pillar uses that data, coupled with best-practice program models, to produce programming directed at solutions to improve survivability and enhance wellness. NLEOMF’s third pillar, the National Law Enforcement Museum (LawEnforcementMuseum.org) is committed to preserving the history of American law enforcement and sharing the experiences of service and sacrifice for generations to come.
MEDIA CONTACT
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