National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Announces November 2023 Officer of the Month

Flagler Beach police officer saves two swimmers caught in rip current

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Published January 19, 2024 @ 3:00 pm PST

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) on January 18 announced Officer Dylan Coffman of the Flagler Beach, Florida, Police Department as its Officer of the Month for November 2023. Coffman was selected for his bravery and heroism when he rescued two swimmers who were in distress while caught in a rip current in the Atlantic Ocean.

On Tuesday, September 19, at approximately 5:43 p.m., Coffman was on routine patrol when he heard a call being dispatched for two swimmers in distress in the 700 block of South Ocean Shore Boulevard.

Coffman was in the area and immediately responded, exiting his patrol vehicle and then returning to it to secure his police equipment. He then removed his department-issued “Rescue Can” from his patrol car, scaled the boardwalk fence and headed directly into the Atlantic Ocean. Never hesitating, Coffman’s focus was only of public safety first, and he did so with little to no regard for his own personal safety. His sole mission was to rescue two swimmers who were caught in a very dangerous and potentially deadly rip current. On the aforementioned date, he went above and beyond the call of duty, and his actions can be directly attributed to saving the lives of two citizens.

“These officers are heroes, and their actions serve to highlight the countless acts of valor which often go unnoticed and without the recognition or fanfare such acts deserve,” NLEOMF CEO Bill Alexander said. “We are humbled and proud to honor Officer Coffman as our Officer of the Month for November 2023.”

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.

—www.NLEOMF.org—

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund

Established in 1984, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is a nonprofit 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 23,785 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.

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