The Cleveland Police Foundation’s Police Officer of the Month for July 2025 is Second District Patrol Officer Luis Melendez, recognized for showing compassion to a young man who had gone through a traumatic experience. His actions are best described by his platoon supervisor, Sgt. Tom Ross, in the following narrative:
“In late June, Patrol Officer Luis Melendez responded to a juvenile who was struck on his bicycle. While the young man was not seriously injured, the bike was destroyed. Seeing what the bike meant to the juvenile, Officer Melendez purchased a new bicycle for the young man and delivered it to his home. These small, but caring acts are what makes the Second District, the Cleveland Division of Police and the community even stronger together.”
It should also be noted that a new helmet with a rear safety light and visor, along with a Cleveland Division of Police Honor Guard patch worn during the Police Unity Tour, was donated by Sgt. Ross and presented to the young man as well.
It is because of his compassion and caring for this young man that the Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to name Second District Patrol Officer Luis Melendez our Police Officer of the Month for July 2025.
– Bob Guttu, CPF
Nominated by Second District Commander Tim Maffo-Judd and Sgt. Tom Ross
2025 POMs 2024 POMs 2023 POMs 2022 POMs 2021 POMs 2020 POMs 2019 POMs 2018 POMs 2017 POMs 2016 POMs
About the Police Officer of the Month Program
The Cleveland Police Foundation – in partnership with the Cleveland Division of Police, Cleveland Police Patrolmen’s Association, and the Fraternal Order of Police Cleveland Lodge 8 – is proud of the Police Officer of the Month program. The program’s purpose is to recognize members of the Cleveland Division of Police who not only perform their duties in an exemplary and extraordinary manner, but also excel in efforts that are consistent with a major tenet of the CPF’s mission to strengthen the bonds between citizens and police officers… building bridges, creating opportunities for dialogue, and forging positive relationships within the community.
Already aware that officers in the Cleveland Division of Police routinely go out of their way to help their fellow citizens, committee members are not surprised by the large number of candidates. With so many outstanding officers, selecting one recipient per month proved to be a somewhat daunting task.
When asked why bestow these awards, CPF Executive Director Charles W. Lane, Jr. states, “In today’s busy world, while some deeds may seem fairly insignificant, we hold out hope that such random acts of kindness may have a significant impact on a person’s life. Even if not, it’s nice to know that our police officers do for others what they would want someone else to do for a member of their family if the opportunity presented itself.”
Police officers across this great country perform similar deeds day-in and day-out, with little fanfare and really not seeking, nor even wanting recognition. We commend these officers for their compassion and personal commitment to making our city a better place to live.