The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) on September 2 announced Police Officer III Andre Smith, Sergeant Timothy Kwaloff, Police Officer I Georgia Ariaza, Police Officer III Alex John and Sergeant Seamus Galey of the Montgomery County (Maryland) Police Department as its Officers of the Month for July 2025. These officers worked together as a team during a domestic situation where a father was holding his young son at knifepoint.

On the evening of July 26, Montgomery County police officers responded to a residence following reports that a young boy was being threatened at knifepoint by his father. When officers entered the home, the father retrieved a large kitchen knife and held it to his son, threatening to kill him.

During the standoff, one officer deployed a Taser, successfully disarming the man and allowing officers to secure the weapon without injury to the child. The boy was safely removed from harm, and the father was taken into custody. No officers were injured during the response.

“The actions of these Montgomery County officers prevented a tragedy and ensured the safety of a child in immediate danger,” NLEOMF CEO William Alexander said. “Their clear judgment under pressure and dedication to protecting life exemplify the very best of our profession.”

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—