National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Announces May 2026 Officer of the Month
Officer recognized for quick action during a multi-vehicle crash that left a young child trapped in a burning car
WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 17, 2026) – The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) today announced Officer Michael Jaycox of the San Jose Police Department (CA) as the Officer of the Month for May 2026. Officer Jaycox was selected for his actions in rescuing a 4-year-old child trapped inside a burning vehicle following a serious multi-vehicle crash.
In early May, San Jose Police Department officers responded to a major traffic collision involving multiple vehicles. Following the crash, one of the vehicles became engulfed in flames while an adult driver and a young child remained trapped inside.
Officer Jaycox was among the first officers to arrive at the scene. Recognizing the immediate danger, he rushed to the burning vehicle and worked to rescue the occupants before the fire could spread further. Despite the risks posed by the flames and rapidly evolving conditions, Officer Jaycox successfully removed the child from the backseat and assisted in extracting the driver, transferring both to awaiting medical personnel.
Additional officers and emergency responders provided aid to the other individuals involved in the collision, several of whom were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
“Officer Jaycox’s actions exemplify the courage and selflessness law enforcement officers demonstrate in service to their communities,” said Bill Alexander, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. “Without hesitation, he placed himself in harm’s way to rescue a child trapped inside a burning vehicle. His actions undoubtedly saved a life, and we are proud to recognize him as our Officer of the Month for May 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.
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