January Officer of the Month: NLEOMF Honors North Carolina Officer for Water Rescue
What to Know
- Officer Percy Evans was awarded Officer of the Month for his courageous rescue of an 11-year-old boy from icy waters.
- The rescue took place at Womble Park in Holly Springs, North Carolina, on January 10, 2026, during winter conditions.
- Evans immediately entered the pond to save the boy, preventing potential hypothermia and further injury.
WASHINGTON -- The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) has named Senior Officer Percy Evans of the Town of Holly Springs Police Department as its Officer of the Month for January 2026, recognizing his actions during a cold-water rescue involving an 11-year-old boy.
According to NLEOMF, the incident occurred on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, while Officer Evans was patrolling Womble Park in Holly Springs, North Carolina. A bystander alerted him that an 11-year-old boy had fallen through a thin layer of ice covering a nearby pond and was unable to get out.
Officer Evans immediately entered the pond and pulled the child from the frigid water. He then placed the boy inside his patrol vehicle to help him warm up while fire and emergency medical personnel responded to the scene. Both Officer Evans and the child were evaluated on-site and did not require hospitalization. The boy was later reunited with his parents.
“Officer Evans’ quick thinking and bravery saved a young life under extremely dangerous conditions,” said Bill Alexander, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. “His actions are a reminder of the courage and dedication law enforcement officers show every day to protect their communities. We are proud to recognize him as our January Officer of the Month for 2026.”
For law enforcement agencies, the incident underscores the importance of situational awareness during routine patrol operations and preparedness for environmental hazards, particularly during winter conditions. Cold-water rescues present significant risks, including hypothermia and limited mobility, and often require officers to make rapid decisions before specialized resources arrive.
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 service and devotion to duty.