National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Announces November 2023 Officer of the Month
Flagler Beach Police Officer Saves Two Swimmers Caught in Rip Current
WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 17, 2024) – The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) today announced Officer Dylan Coffman of the Flagler Beach (FL) Police Department as their Officer of the Month for November 2023. Officer Coffman was selected for his bravery and heroism when he rescued two swimmers who were in distress while caught in a rip current in the Atlantic Ocean.
On Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at approximately 5:43 pm, Officer Coffman was on routine patrol when he heard a call being dispatched for two swimmers in distress in the 700 block of South Oceanshore Boulevard.
Officer Coffman was in the area and immediately responded, exiting his patrol vehicle and began securing his police equipment in his patrol vehicle. Officer Coffman then removed his Department issued “Rescue Can” from his patrol car, scaled the boardwalk fence and headed directly into the Atlantic Ocean. Never hesitating, his focus was only of public safety first, and he did so with little to no regard for his own personal safety. Officer Coffman’s sole mission was to rescue two swimmers that were caught in a very dangerous and potentially deadly rip current. On the aforementioned date, he went above and beyond the call of duty and his actions can be directly attributed to saving the lives of two citizens.
“These officers are heroes, and their actions serve to highlight the countless acts of valor which often go unnoticed and without the recognition or fanfare such acts deserve,” said Bill Alexander, Chief Executive Officer of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. “We are humbled and proud to honor Officer Coffman as our Officer of the Month for November 2023.”
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.
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 of the 23,785 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.
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