Washington—The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund has named Officer Joseph Grasso, of the North Brunswick (NJ) Police Department, as the recipient of its Officer of the Month Award for January 2019.
On December 8, 2018, Officer Joseph Grasso was working a special duty assignment when a call came in about an apartment complex fully engulfed in flames. Officer Grasso responded to the scene of the fire, where he was met by other officers. The apartment complex was completely consumed in flames. Officers noticed a family on a second-floor balcony attempting to escape. Their only exit was blocked by the raging fire.
Officer Grasso stood on the first-floor railing and pulled himself onto the second floor. He climbed over the second-floor railing and carefully dropped two children down to the officers on the ground. Officer Grasso then assisted the children’s grandparents to safety.
“Officer Grasso performed without hesitation that night, selflessly, and with only one option in mind, to save lives,” New Brunswick Captain Brian Hoiberg said. “He and the officers that assisted him should all receive recognition for a job well done. We are extremely proud of not only his actions on that evening, but of all of our officers that stand ready to perform daily.”
Officer Grasso has been a member of the North Brunswick Police Department since 2005. Prior to that, Officer Grasso served with the United States Coast Guard.
Located in the nation’s capital, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of America’s law enforcement officers. The Memorial Fund’s Officer of the Month Award Program began in 1996 and recognizes federal, state, and local officers who distinguish themselves through exemplary law enforcement service and devotion to duty.
Officer Joseph Grasso, along with the other Officer of the Month Award recipients for 2019, will be honored at a special awards ceremony in Washington, DC, in 2020.
About the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund
Established in 1984, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is a private non-profit organization dedicated to telling the story of American law enforcement and making it safer for those who serve. The Memorial Fund maintains the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, which contains the names of 21,541 officers who have died in the line of duty throughout U.S. history. The Memorial Fund recently opened the new National Law Enforcement Museum, which tells the story of American law enforcement by providing visitors a “walk in the shoes” experience. The Museum is working to expand and enrich the relationship shared by law enforcement and the community through the Museum’s educational journeys, immersive exhibitions, and insightful programs. For more information, visit www.LawMemorial.org.
Jaclyn Barrientes
[email protected]
(202) 737-7989