Officer of the Month November 2020

Patrolman First Class Joseph “Jay” Cooper

Havre de Grace (MD) Police Department

Patrolman First Class Joseph "Jay" Cooper
Patrolman First Class Joseph “Jay” Cooper

WASHINGTON – The National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum is pleased to announce Havre de Grace (MD) Police Department Patrolman First Class Joseph “Jay” Cooper has been named November Officer of the Month.
The 18-year veteran has shown exemplary commitment to his colleagues and his community throughout his tenure with the Havre de Grace Police Department. PFC Cooper has been an active, dedicated volunteer with Harbor of Grace Enhanced Recovery Center, a national wellness center for law enforcement and first responders. A committed, supportive participant in their Peer Support Groups, he is also often called upon to escort fellow first responders into the treatment program.
“As a volunteer, PFC Cooper advises and becomes a trusted ally for first responders that he doesn’t even know, in their darkest hour,” according to Sergeant Dan Petz, his supervisor who submitted his nomination. “I would suggest that he has saved many careers and more importantly extended their lives by helping during their darkest hours.”
PFC Cooper’s commitment to his citizens is equally significant, as was shown on August 15, 2020, when he saved an autistic 10-year-old from possible drowning. The child had wandered out of his home without his parent’s awareness and made his way to a gated pier along the Susquehanna River. PFC Cooper quickly located the child on board a docked sailboat, and, after scaling the fenced gate, recovered him before the situation became even more dangerous. Thanks to his quick thinking and action, the child has safely reunited with his grateful family.
“PFC Cooper’s commitment to serve and protect both is peers and his citizens is more than admirable, it is why this award program was created,” said National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund CEO Marcia Ferranto. “Please add our gratitude for your service to all those who you regularly help.”

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.

Police Unity Tour
The Police Unity Tour is the official sponsor of the Memorial Fund’s Officer of the Month Program.