CPF Police Officer of the Month Award Recipients
2024 CPF Police Officer of the Month Award Recipients
Recipients will receive a personal plaque in recognition of their good deeds, and perpetual plaques will be displayed at Cleveland Police Headquarters, the offices of the Cleveland Police Patrolmen’s Association, and the Fraternal Order of Police Cleveland Lodge 8 where they will serve as an inspiration to others.
March Police Officer of the Month
Patrol Officer Jessica Wolski
This month, the Cleveland Police Foundation has once again recognized Patrol Officer Jessica Wolski as Police Officer of the Month. Last September, she was honored along with her partner for their bravery in rescuing a child trapped under a vehicle that had crashed into an apartment. Officer Wolski’s continuous dedication extends beyond her immediate police duties.
Nominated by CPD Officer Terese Ortiz, Officer Wolski is celebrated not only for her acts of heroism but also for her deep commitment to the community. “P.O. Wolski is an asset and a role model within our community,” Officer Ortiz shared. “She dedicates her time off-duty to coaching soccer for Near West Recreation, serving inner-city youth from the Near West side of the Second District.”
Officer Wolski is now in her second year as a volunteer soccer coach. Despite her demanding schedule, which often includes late nights on duty, she consistently makes time for weekly practices and games, regardless of the weather. Her enthusiasm shines brightest during the muddy games, where she encourages her team to enjoy a playful slide or dive in the mud after a match.
“Patrol Officer Jessica Wolski truly epitomizes what it means to be a community servant,” Ortiz added. “The citizens of Cleveland are fortunate to have such a devoted figure in their midst.” Thanks to her unwavering dedication to both her professional responsibilities and her voluntary efforts, the Cleveland Police Foundation is proud to honor Officer Wolski as our Police Officer of the Month for March 2024.
– Bob Guttu, Cleveland Police Foundation
Nominated by CPD Officer Terese Ortiz
February Police Officer of the Month
Officers Jonnatan Sanchez and Wanda Wright
This month’s Police Officers of the Month are Jonnatan Sanchez and Wanda Wright, who have truly earned this recognition and are seen as heroes by many. Last July, while working in the warehouse district, they heard gunfire near West 6th Street and immediately went to investigate. Unable to find the suspect, they turned their attention to rendering first aid to some of the nine people injured outside a bar on West 6th Street.
Among the injured was a woman who needed urgent help. Officer Sanchez used a belt borrowed from a bystander to apply a tourniquet to her leg, a quick-thinking action that likely saved her life. Reflecting on the night, Officer Sanchez shared, “It’s something that comes from within me already, I’ve been wanting to be a police officer since I was a little kid. My grandfather was a firefighter and he instilled in me the need to help others as much as you can.” Officer Wright also commented on their improvisation during the crisis, saying, “Sometimes we don’t have what we need, so we improvise and we do what we have to do.”
Their heroic actions and dedication to caring for others are why the Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to name Officer Jonnatan Sanchez and Officer Wanda Wright our Police Officers of the Month for February 2024.
– Bob Guttu, Cleveland Police Foundation
Nominated by CPD Captain Tim Maffo-Judd
January Police Officer of the Month
Patrol Officer David Santiago and his K9 partner Ranger
This month’s Police Officers of the Month are Patrol Officer David Santiago and his K9 partner Ranger and the following is the narrative provided by Sgt. Eric Newton of the Third District who nominated them.
“I had the opportunity to work Patrol Officer Santiago and Ranger on three high priority assignments in the last two weeks. On January 25, Officer Santiago and Ranger assisted Third District zone cars with a group of drag racers who took over the parking lot of East High School. They assisted with dispersing the crowd, assisted with the arrest of a male with a gun, and towed a vehicle.
“On January 31 Officer Santiago and Ranger helped officers from the Second and Third Districts track down a violent male wanted for Felonious Assault and stayed on the scene until the suspect was in custody.
“Finally on February 1, Officer Santiago and Ranger assisted on the scene of 3422 East 69th with a male who had been shot. They helped secure the crime scene, tracked footprints in the area, and interviewed witnesses, which resulted in critical information being obtained as well as evidence.
“These two have been an indispensable part of the Third District for as long as they have been working together, and respond to every assignment they possibly can, and assist in any way they can. Patrol Officer Santiago is an experienced and dedicated officer, and goes above and beyond his responsibilities as a K9 officer including helping mentor younger officers in the Third District, giving them guidance on their assignments. Patrol Officer Santiago and Ranger’s contribution to Patrol Operations in the Third District has been immeasurable, and I cannot thank them enough for their help, on the above mentioned assignments as well as every time I hear 8276 – their call sign – broadcasted over Channel 3.”
It is because of their diligence and devotion to duty that the Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to name Patrol Officer David Santiago and K9 Officer Ranger our Police Officers of the Month for January 2024.
~ Bob Guttu, Cleveland Police Foundation
Nominated by Third District Lieutenant Eric Newton