Fayetteville, GA Police Officers rescue two people from fiery car crash

April 2021 Officers of the Month
Sergeant Michael Perry and Officer Maggie Murphy of the Fayetteville (GA) Police Department

Washington, DC, (June 23, 2021)—The National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum (NLEMM) is pleased to announce that the April 2021 Officers of the Month are Sergeant Michael Perry and Officer Maggie Murphy of the Fayetteville (GA) Police Department. These two officers were selected after a courageous rescue of two motorists from a fiery car crash.

On the morning of February 21, 2021, Sergeant Michael Perry was off-duty when he saw a car crash into a tree. He dialed 911 as the car burst into flames. Officer Maggie Murphy arrived on scene, and they opened the passenger’s side door of the burning vehicle. At this time, the driver had managed to get out of the car. Perry and Murphy were successful in pulling the victim out.

Once free of imminent danger from the burning automobile, Perry and Murphy noticed the victim’s clothes were on fire. Perry quickly extinguished the flames, and they made sure the driver was safe, as well. Firefighters extinguished the fire, and the two motorists were taken to a hospital.

Fayetteville Police Chief Scott Gray released a statement about his officers: “I am proud of our officers, who responded quickly and risked their own lives to rescue these motorists. We train our officers to do this, but it takes courage to put yourself in danger like that in the line of duty.”

“Sergeant Perry and Officer Murphy demonstrated exemplary courage to help during this accident and we are honored to recognize them with this award,” said Marcia Ferranto, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. “This is another prime example of, whether they are on-duty or off-duty, members of law enforcement answering the call and putting themselves in harm’s way to serve the people of our communities.”

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.

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About the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum
Established in 1984, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is a non-profit organization dedicated to telling the story of American law enforcement, and making it safer for those who serve. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial (LawMemorial.org) contains the names of 22,611 officers who have died in the line of duty throughout U.S. history. The National Law Enforcement Museum (LawEnforcementMuseum.org) expands and enriches the relationship between law enforcement and the community by sharing true stories of service and sacrifice from across the nation. Through immersive, educational exhibitions and insightful programs, we preserve the history of law enforcement for generations to come.

About the Police Unity Tour (www.policeunitytour.com)
The Police Unity Tour is a four-day bicycle ride from New Jersey to Washington, DC, whose mission is to raise public awareness about law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty, and to raise funds for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. The Tour is made up of nine chapters consisting of nearly 2,600 members nationwide. Since its inception, the Police Unity Tour has donated more than $30 million to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
Daniel Forde
[email protected]
(601) 664-2010