The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) on May 27 announced Sergeant John Banner, Officer Christopher Wiseman and Officer Brian Leal of the White Settlement (Texas) Police Department as the Officers of the Month for April 2026. These officers were selected for their actions when they conducted a water rescue in rapidly moving floodwaters, utilizing jumper cables as an improvised rescue line to assist in safely rescuing a mother and her three children.
The incident occurred during severe weather conditions in White Settlement, Texas, after officers responded to reports of a vehicle stranded in rising floodwater near a drainage channel. Upon arrival, Banner observed that the vehicle had become trapped as fast-moving water continued rising around it, creating an immediate danger for the occupants inside and nearby.
Banner first secured the three children inside his patrol vehicle while Wiseman and Leal assisted in efforts to safely reach the children’s mother, who was unable to exit the vehicle due to the strength of the current. Without immediate access to standard water rescue equipment, the officers improvised by using jumper cables from a patrol vehicle as a makeshift rescue line. Following instructions from Banner, the mother secured the cables around her chest and under her arms while the officers anchored the opposite end to stabilize her against the rushing water until additional emergency personnel arrived.
Firefighters later secured the vehicle and assisted in bringing the scene under control. All four family members were evaluated by medical personnel and reported unharmed.
“The actions taken by Sergeant Banner, Officer Wiseman and Officer Leal demonstrate the adaptability and teamwork often required during emergency situations,” NLEOMF CEO Bill Alexander said. “Their ability to respond quickly under dangerous conditions contributed directly to the safe rescue of this family, and we are honored to award them the Officers of the Month for April 2026.”
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—
