The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) on September 16 announced Deputy Wes Brough of the Volusia County, Florida, Sheriff’s Department as the Officer of the Month for August 2024. Deputy Brough was selected for his actions when he jumped into a pond to save a 5-year-old boy from drowning.

On August 6, Deputy Brough responded to an emergency call in Deltona, Florida, after a 5-year-old autistic boy had left his home and was reported missing. Following an extensive search, Deputy Brough located the child in the middle of a pond, clinging to a log.

Shortly after discovering the child, Brough ran toward the water and entered it to bring the child back to land. The boy, who had left his family’s home through a door that triggered an alarm, was found about 20 minutes after his disappearance. The child was then returned to his family.

“This officer’s actions highlight the many acts of service that often go unnoticed,” NLEOMF CEO William Alexander said. “We are humbled and proud to honor Deputy Brough as our Officer of the Month for August 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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