The National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum (NLEMM) is pleased to announce the October 2021 Officer of the Month is Justin Quinlan of the Ewing Police Department (N.J.). Officer Quinlan rescued a woman from severe floodwaters caused by Hurricane Ida.
One evening, Officer Quinlan responded to a call of stranded motorists, finding several people attempting to drive out of the floodwaters. He asked if they needed assistance and was told no, but that a nearby woman was in need of help. When Officer Quinlan pointed his flashlight in the direction indicated, he saw a woman tightly gripping the guardrail.
To get to the woman, Officer Quinlan had to straddle the guardrail and push his way through the floodwaters. Once he reached her, he checked to see if she was injured. The woman was not hurt, but he was hesitant to maneuver her out of the floodwaters, as damaging debris could have been present.
Officer Quinlan remained with the woman, calming her until the Ewing Fire Department responded and successfully rescued her. The woman was then checked to assure she had no injuries.
“We would first like to congratulate Officer Quinlan for this award; we commend him for his selflessness and bravery,” said Marcia Ferranto, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. “This is, yet again, a wonderful example of the way our law enforcement puts themselves in harm’s way to protect and serve their 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.
