The National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum (NLEMM) has announced the November 2021 Officer of the Month, K-9 Deputy First Class (DFC) Marcus Dawson of the Flagler County, Florida Sheriff’s Office. Dawson successfully rescued a 3-year-old boy from a house fire.
Dawson responded to a call of a house fire in Flagler County. After arriving on scene, a neighbor told him the house had three occupants, but it appeared none were there. Dawson could see thick, black smoke quickly filling the home and heard dogs barking inside. He began to knock loudly on the front door and shout into the residence. When he didn’t receive a response, he quickly went to the back of the house, continuing to hear dogs barking. In his attempt to release the dogs from the burning home, Dawson noticed a little boy hiding in fear beneath a blanket in one of the rear bedrooms.
Dawson immediately entered the room and carried the child out of the burning home, receiving assurance that no one else was home at the time. The child received immediate medical attention and was cleared with no injuries.
“We would first like to thank Deputy Dawson for his bravery and courage to run into danger for the sake of another’s life,” said Marcia Ferranto, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. “We are honored to present him with this award and are thankful for the opportunity to continue to tell the good stories of our American law enforcement.”
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.