2026 Police Officer of the Month Awards

The Cleveland Police Foundation’s Police Officer of the Month for June 2026 is P.O. Logan Weber and was nominated by CPD Lieutenant Edward Lentz. The following is the narrative explaining the reason for the nomination:

“P.O. Logan Weber consistently delivers outstanding police service and exemplifies the core principles of community policing. He is known for his unwavering commitment to the Cleveland community and for the dependable support he provides to his fellow officers.

Officer Weber never hesitates to step into difficult or dangerous assignments, demonstrating exceptional courage, professionalism, and a strong sense of duty. He approaches every situation with compassion and integrity, ensuring that no community member is left without help. His colleagues rely on him because he is always ready to assist, collaborate, and lead when needed.

In addition to his exemplary service on duty, Officer Weber has made a meaningful and lasting impact through his involvement with the Cleveland Police Foundation’s Fishing with Cops program over the past two years. During these events, he has built strong, positive relationships with Cleveland youth by mentoring them one-on-one teaching them how to rig fishing lures, bait hooks, cast lines, and catch fish, all while engaging them in genuine, encouraging conversation. After the fishing wraps up, he helps prepare and serve food so every child leaves with a full belly, a sense of belonging, and unforgettable memories.

His dedication, reliability, and service-first mindset make him an invaluable asset to the department and a trusted guardian of the community.”

I wholeheartedly concur with this write-up on Officer Weber, especially concerning the Fishing with Cops event that I have been in charge of for the past 10 years. Officer Weber and Lieutenant Lentz have become a very important part of this event and not only help the kids catch the fish but also how to clean and cook them. Thank you both for making the events a success.

It is because of his dedication to his fellow officers and the children in the community that the Cleveland Police Foundation is indeed honored to name P.O. Logan Weber its Police Officer of the Month for June 2026.

Submitted by: Bob Guttu CPF

Nominated by: CPD Lieutenant Ed Lentz

The Medal of Honor is the highest commendation presented to a Cleveland Division of Police officer for acts of personal bravery performed beyond the call of duty and involving an incontestable risk of life.

The following narrative was taken from the Medal of Honor presentation for Patrol Officer Abigail Pietri provided by the City of Cleveland’s Awards Ceremony held on May 7, 2026.

On October 20, 2025, Patrol Officer Abigail Pietri was working at an elementary school when a mother called to report that her daughter had brought a gun to school. As the principal made an announcement to alert staff and initiate safety protocols, Officer Pietri heard two students scream, “Gun, gun!” Officer Pietri immediately responded, unholstered her firearm, kept it in a low-ready position, and moved to a position of cover. From there, she observed the suspect holding a firearm pointed at two other students. Officer Pietri began issuing commands, allowing one of the students to run to safety. As Officer Pietri cautiously approached, she observed that the suspect’s finger remained off the trigger, but the firearm was still pointed at the remaining student.

Officer Pietri focused her attention on the suspect and gave clear verbal commands to drop the weapon. The suspect instead placed the gun to her own head and stated, “You’re going to take me to jail.” Remaining calm and composed, Officer Pietri instructed the suspect to take a step back. The suspect complied, and Officer Pietri continued to engage her in conversation, explaining she became a police officer to help children and urged her to put the gun down. After several verbal commands, the suspect placed the gun on the ground and took six steps back, as ordered. Officer Pietri then safely secured the firearm and the suspect without further incident. Officer Pietri’s quick, courageous, and composed actions prevented a potential tragedy and ensured the safety of the students and staff.

It is because of her compassion and bravery that the Cleveland Police Foundation is indeed honored to name Patrol Officer Abigail Pietri its Police Officer of the Month for May 2026.

Cleveland’s West Side Market has been around since 1912, making it the oldest operating indoor/outdoor market space in Cleveland, Ohio. Over 1 million people visit the market in any given year, so security in the facility is a paramount concern. Stationed at the market and providing this security for the 70 family-owned businesses and more than 250 employees is Cleveland Police Patrol Officer John Cho. Officer Cho is a 27- year veteran of the Division of Police and is the city’s last single officer foot beat patrolman. He grew up in the West 120^th Street area of Cleveland and has been part of this neighborhood since childhood. Officer Cho not only knows the importance of shoppers feeling safe at the market but also knows the importance of Community Policing in his everyday contact with these folks. His smile and demeanor are second to none, and he loves the personal contact, not only with the Cleveland residents that shop at the market, but also the tourists from outside Northeast Ohio. Keep up the good work, Officer Cho, and thank you for your service.

It is because of his compassion and dedication to his profession that the Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to name Patrol Officer John Cho it’s Police Officer of the Month for April 2026.

-Bob Guttu, CPF

This month’s Police Officers of the Month are P.O. Ismael Vega, Dionte Pearl and Robquetta Lavender, who recently went beyond the call of duty, as described by the following narration provided by Second District Sergeant Brendon Melbar, “On March 26, 2026 Officers Vega and Pearl responded to a call for a male who claimed to be in great danger.

Upon arriving, they located a mentally challenged 18-year- old male who was soaking wet from standing in the freezing rain. The male stated his father had beat him with a baseball bat because he left a basketball in the rain. It was apparent that the male suffered from a mental disability and had injuries to his ankles from his father hitting him. They conveyed the male to the hospital. The officers went above and beyond to help this male. The officers made numerous calls to child family services, 696 Kids and attempted to contact family and other resources to learn more about the male’s disability. They responded to the victim’s home address in an attempt to locate the father, who was not on the scene while the male was being treated at the hospital. Ultimately, the officers returned to the hospital and returned the victim home.

The child was adamant on attending school in the morning claiming he couldn’t miss school. The officers reminded the victim he was soaking wet and got the child fresh warm clothing from his home and conveyed him to the Second District where he felt safe and could stay dry. The officers bought sandwiches and drinks for the male who stated he was hungry and brought them back to him, who then slept at the police station until it was time for school.

These officers made many calls and sought resources which became difficult with the communication barrier due to the male’s disability. It was determined that the school would need to contact child family services with a diagnosis so they could assist as he was 18 and they offer help to individuals with a medical diagnosis up to the age of 22. These officer’s determination and compassion relieved the fear and stress the young man was feeling. This was great to see as both of these officers are new to the career.

As Officer Lavender arrived for day shift, she instantly became interested in the helping and learned of the particulars. She provided toothpaste and mouth wash for the male and then she conveyed him to school where the details of the assault were able to be communicated to child family services , who were then able to get involved and find placement for the young man. It was apparent to me that this individual was grateful and felt safe and no longer hungry. He was extremely happy to make it to school that morning.”

It is because of their compassion and determination that the Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to name Patrol Officers Ismael Vega #2598, Dionte Pearl #1818 and Robquetta Lavender #2584 our Police Officers of the Month for March 2026.

-Bob Guttu CPF

(Nominated by Second District Sergeant Brendon Melbar)

This month’s Police Officers of the Month are Patrol Officer Seth Mercer and Patrol Officer Edward Galewood who placed themselves in danger to save the life of another. Upon arrival, as they walked down to Perkins Beach they observed a female sitting on the ice. As they approached her, she stood up and started to run farther out on the lake where the ice was thinning out. The officers then began running after the female to prevent her from getting out far enough on the lake to fall through the ice.

After catching up with her, they grabbed her to prevent her from putting herself into further danger at which time she dropped her body weight and refused to get off the ice. Believing the ice may not hold all of their weight and for the female’s safety, they dragged the female to a thicker portion of the ice at which time she willingly got to her feet and they escorted her to shore.

The female was conveyed to Metro Health where the officers learned she was being treated for anxiety and depression and on medication for both. It is because of their compassion for another in need that the Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to name Patrol Officer Seth Mercer and Patrol Officer Edward Galewood our Police Officers of the Month for February 2026.

-Bob Guttu, CPF

This month’s Police Officers of the Month, Patrol Officer Joseph Fitchwell and Patrol Officer Michael Kane are true heroes in every sense of the word. On the morning of January 9, 2026, while refueling their zone car, they spotted what appeared to be a house on fire on Parkview Road. They immediately rushed to the scene and found a house ablaze with the bottom level fully engulfed with smoke and potential live electrical wires.

The officers then began banging on the doors and began evacuating the four people inside along with their pets. The officers then navigated the family through a fenced backyard, using a slated board as a ladder for them to leave the immediate area. It was at this time that a loud explosion was heard and the house was fully engulfed. These officers responded immediately to this dangerous situation and, without thinking of their own safety, saved this family that morning.

I spoke with Cleveland Division of Police Public Information Officer Sgt. Freddy Diaz, who stated, “If this action by these officers was delayed another 30 seconds we may be talking about a different outcome to this story.”

It is because of their dedication to their duties and the community that the Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to name Patrol Officer Joseph Fitchwell and Patrol Officer Michael Kane our Police Officers of the Month for January 2026.

– Bob Guttu, CPF