The National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum (NLEMM) is pleased to announce that the April 2021 Officers of the Month are Sergeant Michael Perry and Officer Maggie Murphy of the Fayetteville (GA) Police Department. These two officers were selected after a courageous rescue of two motorists from a fiery car crash.
On the morning of February 21, 2021, Sergeant Michael Perry was off-duty when he saw a car crash into a tree. He dialed 911 as the car burst into flames. Officer Maggie Murphy arrived on scene, and they opened the passenger’s side door of the burning vehicle. At this time, the driver had managed to get out of the car. Perry and Murphy were successful in pulling the victim out.
Once free of imminent danger from the burning automobile, Perry and Murphy noticed the victim’s clothes were on fire. Perry quickly extinguished the flames, and they made sure the driver was safe, as well. Firefighters extinguished the fire, and the two motorists were taken to a hospital.
Fayetteville Police Chief Scott Gray released a statement about his officers: “I am proud of our officers, who responded quickly and risked their own lives to rescue these motorists. We train our officers to do this, but it takes courage to put yourself in danger like that in the line of duty.”
“Sergeant Perry and Officer Murphy demonstrated exemplary courage to help during this accident and we are honored to recognize them with this award,” said Marcia Ferranto, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. “This is another prime example of, whether they are on-duty or off-duty, members of law enforcement answering the call and putting themselves in harm’s way to serve the people of our communities.”
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.