National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Announces July 2025 Officer of the Month
WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 2, 2025) - The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) today announced Police Officer III Andre Smith, Sergeant Timothy Kwaloff, Police Officer I Georgia Ariaza, Police Officer III Alex John, and Sergeant Seamus Galey of the Montgomery County (MD) Police Department, as their Officers of the Month for July 2025. These officers worked together as a team during a domestic situation where a father was holding his young son at knife point.
On the evening of July 26, Montgomery County police officers responded to a residence following reports that a young boy was being threatened at knifepoint by his father. When officers entered the home, the father retrieved a large kitchen knife and held it to his son, threatening to kill him.
During the standoff, one officer deployed a Taser, successfully disarming the man and allowing officers to secure the weapon without injury to the child. The boy was safely removed from harm, and the father was taken into custody. No officers were injured during the response.
“The actions of these Montgomery County officers prevented a tragedy and ensured the safety of a child in immediate danger,,” said William Alexander, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. “Their clear judgment under pressure and dedication to protecting life exemplify the very best of our profession.”
The Officer of the Month Award Program is sponsored by the Police Unity Tour and recognizes federal, state, and local officers who distinguish themselves through exemplary law enforcement service and devotion to duty.
About the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund
Established in 1984, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring the fallen, telling the story of American law enforcement, and making it safer for those who serve. The first pillar of this mission, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., honors the names of all of the 24,412 officers who have died in the line of duty to date throughout U.S. history. Additionally, NLEOMF maintains and publishes comprehensive details on the circumstances surrounding official line-of-duty deaths. The Officer Safety and Wellness pillar uses that data, coupled with best-practice program models, to produce programming directed at solutions to improve survivability and enhance wellness. NLEOMF’s third pillar, the National Law Enforcement Museum (LawEnforcementMuseum.org) is committed to preserving the history of American law enforcement and sharing the experiences of service and sacrifice for generations to come.