The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) on August 7 announced Officers Makiem Miller (#284) and Ian Williamson (#289) of the West Haven, Connecticut, Police Department as its Officers of the Month for June 2024. Officers Miller and Williamson were selected for their actions in saving the lives of two young children in a critical and dangerous situation.

In the early morning of June 22, officers spotted an SUV parked on a beach in West Haven and heard “significant screaming” from the water. As they approached, the officers observed a man attempting to drown his two small children. As the officers entered the water, the man continued to drift further away with the two children while screaming, “Stay back,” and it became obvious that he was deliberately drowning his children. 

Recognizing the immediate danger, Officers Miller and Williamson, along with rescuers on a fire boat, ventured nearly 100 yards from shore to rescue the children and bring them safely to land. Lifesaving measures were administered, and the children were transported to a hospital, where they remained in intensive care. The children were treated in the intensive care unit and were released a couple days later.

“These officers are heroes, and their actions serve to highlight the countless acts of valor that often go unnoticed and without the recognition or fanfare that such acts deserve,” NLEOMF CEO William Alexander said. “We are humbled and proud to honor Officers Miller and Williamson as our Officers of the Month for June 2024.”

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—

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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