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
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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.