WASHINGTON, DC -- The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) has named members of the Atlanta Police Department’s Fugitive Unit and an FBI special agent its Officers of the Month for August 2026. The officers and agent are being recognized for helping rescue two young children reported kidnapped by their babysitter.

The honorees are Investigators Christan Pearson, Antoine Gaines, Gregory Krylowski, Lukasz Sajdak, Sherrod Jamar Stancil, Jorge Santa, Rawdon Lorde and Marcus Forston; Detectives Scott Berhalter, Stephen O’Hare and Yasin Abdulahad; Sergeant Anthony Taijeron-John; Mark Gardner; and FBI Special Agent Nicholas “Niko” Jenkins.

According to NLEOMF, the investigation began after the children were reported missing from their mother. An Amber Alert was issued as law enforcement personnel worked to locate them.

Investigators followed leads to a locked trailer at an Atlanta-area apartment complex, where they believed the babysitter and children were located. Officers repeatedly attempted to contact anyone inside but received no response.

During their efforts, officers heard what they believed was a child inside the trailer. They obtained bolt cutters, removed the lock and entered the trailer, where they found the babysitter and both children.

Officers secured the scene and carried the children to safety. Both children were determined to be in good health and were reunited with their mother.

“This investigation required persistence, coordination and a willingness to act when officers recognized that the children could be inside,” said Bill Alexander, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. “The officers remained focused on locating the children and bringing them home safely. We are proud to recognize their actions and service with the Officer of the Month Award for August 2026.”

The Officer of the Month Award Program, sponsored by the Police Unity Tour, recognizes federal, state and local officers for exemplary law enforcement service and devotion to duty.