National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Announces October 2025 Officer of the Month
Officer shields 7-year-old child running on highway in fast moving traffic with his patrol vehicle.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 19, 2025) – The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) today announced Sergeant James Shields of the North Port (FL) Police Department as the Officer of the Month for October 2025. Sergeant Shields was recognized for his actions when responding to a dangerous situation involving a child who ran onto a highway.
In early October, Sergeant Shields observed a young child running in fast-moving traffic along a Florida highway. He immediately turned his patrol vehicle around and drove toward the child. When the child moved into the path of an oncoming vehicle, Sergeant Shields activated his emergency lights, steered into oncoming traffic, and positioned his vehicle to block the child from danger. The approaching motorist swerved off the roadway at the last moment, narrowly avoiding a collision with both the patrol vehicle and the child.
The child was not injured and was safely reunited with relatives following the incident.
“Sergeant Shields’ actions reflect the dedication and courage demonstrated by law enforcement officers across the country each day,” said Bill Alexander, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. “His quick response and commitment to protecting others, even in the face of personal risk, exemplify the values we honor through the Officer of the Month program.”
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 (NLEOMF) is a non-profit 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 24,412 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
Mike Twiname | [email protected] | 667-678-0426