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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