Officer of the Month August 2015

Patrolman Steve Wilson

South Euclid (OH) Police Department

August 2015 OTM
Washington, DC—The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund has selected Patrolman Steve Wilson, from the South Euclid (OH) Police Department, as the recipient of its Officer of the Month Award for August 2015.
On October 18, 2014, at approximately 4:00 am, the South Euclid Police Department received multiple calls regarding a possible burglary in progress. The responding officers, including Patrolman Wilson, observed signs of forced entry at the back door of the residence, and heard screams for help from a woman inside.
Upon entering the house, the officers announced their presence and followed the screams. Patrolman Wilson entered the living room of the house where he observed a female victim lying on her back with a male suspect kneeling on top of her.
Patrolman Wilson ordered the suspect off the victim. The suspect yelled, “kill me, kill me!” as he raised a large knife and attempted to stab the victim. Patrolman Wilson then fired two shots at the suspect, striking him with both. The shots incapacitated the suspect.
Patrolman Wilson handcuffed the suspect and immediately began treating the victim, who had been stabbed several times prior to the officers’ arrival. The suspect was the ex-boyfriend of the victim and had broken into the house to kill her. The suspect later died.
According to Lieutenant James Wilson of the South Euclid Police Department, “there is little doubt that, had Patrolman Wilson not made the decision to use lethal force, the victim would have been murdered by the suspect in her home that morning.”
“Patrolman Wilson’s quick response to a deadly situation saved the life of the victim,” said Memorial Fund Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Craig W. Floyd. “His brave actions are deserving of our 2015 August Officer of the Month Award.”
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.
Patrolman Wilson, along with the other Officer of the Month Award recipients for 2015, will be honored at a special awards ceremony in Washington, DC, in May 2016, during National Police Week.
Police Unity Tour
The Police Unity Tour is the official sponsor of the Memorial Fund’s Officer of the Month Program.