The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) on August 29 announced Officer Edwardo Hernandez of The Colony, Texas, Police Department as the Officer of the Month for July 2024. Officer Hernandez’s heroic actions during a life-threatening incident led to the rescue of a driver trapped inside a burning vehicle.

On July 19, Officer Hernandez responded to a scene where a Tesla was trapped between two barricades on an overpass with flames emerging from the front of the vehicle. Hernandez used a fire extinguisher to address the flames, but the car continued to burn. He then employed a Halligan tool to break the window and cut the airbag, which allowed him to reach the disoriented driver. Hernandez, along with other officers, moved the driver to safety moments before the car was fully engulfed in flames.

The driver was taken to a local hospital for injuries related to the crash. One officer was treated for smoke inhalation and is expected to recover. Other officers involved were evaluated by paramedics and returned to duty.

“Officer Hernandez’s actions in this situation were critical in saving a life. His quick response and training were essential in handling this emergency,” NLEOMF CEO William Alexander said. “We are honored to name Officer Hernandez as our Officer of the Month for July 2024.”

The Officer of the Month Award Program is sponsored by the Police Unity Tour and recognizes federal, state and local officers who demonstrate exemplary law enforcement service and dedication to their duty.

—www.NLEOMF.org—

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 24,067 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.

Since 2014, the National Fallen Law Enforcement Officers Flower Fund has sent a floral arrangement to the funeral services of every officer who has been killed in the line of duty. This initiative, which has served as the cornerstone of the charity, has sent more than 2,000 arrangements on behalf of its members, costing over $500,000.

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