This month’s Police Officers of the Month were nominated by Sgt. Eric Newton from the 3rd District, and the following is his write-up for these outstanding officers:
“I respectfully nominate Patrol Officers Marcelous Fox and Elvert Jordan for the Cleveland Police Foundation’s ‘Officers of the Month’ for their extreme diligence, professionalism, and care for the citizens of Cleveland during a house fire on the city’s East Side in the early morning on May 28, 2025. The following are the circumstances supporting this nomination:
Patrol Officers Jordan and Fox arrived on scene and realized there was more at stake than just the flow of traffic. The officers were familiar with this street, and knew that there were a number of senior citizens who lived here. The officers positioned their car to block the road, and then walked towards the burning building, checking house to house to make sure the residents inside were OK. They did this in spite of cold temperatures, rain, water spraying everywhere from the fire hoses, and the heavy smoke of the house fire.
As they walked down the street they conferred with a resident, who pointed out a male in the area who, by her account, did not belong in the neighborhood. The resident asked them to check on him. The officers did and quickly noticed something peculiar about the male. They confirmed he didn’t live in the area, had several gas cans in his truck, and was only in the area for about the last 45 minutes, which was when the fire started. This information alarmed them, and they wanted to investigate further.
The officers reached out for the Arson Unit and advised them of what they had discovered. Arson investigators had not yet been dispatched to the scene, as arson was not initially suspected. Arson investigators arrived on the scene, conferred with the officers and then interviewed the male. After completing their investigation, the Arson investigators concurred with Patrol Officers Fox and Jordan. They arrested and charged the male with Aggravated Arson.
The fire did more than just destroy a house, it also created chaos and fear for an entire neighborhood. Thankfully, Patrol Officers Jordan and Fox were on the case. By going way beyond the expectations of the assignment, they apprehended a dangerous criminal and possibly saved another home from being destroyed.”
It is because of their dedication and devotion to their profession that the Cleveland Police Foundation is indeed honored to name Patrol Officers Marcelous Fox and Elvert Jordan our Police Officers of the Month for May 2025.
– Bob Guttu, CPF
Nominated by 3rd District Sgt. Eric Newton
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About the Police Officer of the Month Program
The Cleveland Police Foundation – in partnership with the Cleveland Division of Police, Cleveland Police Patrolmen’s Association, and the Fraternal Order of Police Cleveland Lodge 8 – is proud of the Police Officer of the Month program. The program’s purpose is to recognize members of the Cleveland Division of Police who not only perform their duties in an exemplary and extraordinary manner, but also excel in efforts that are consistent with a major tenet of the CPF’s mission to strengthen the bonds between citizens and police officers… building bridges, creating opportunities for dialogue, and forging positive relationships within the community.
Already aware that officers in the Cleveland Division of Police routinely go out of their way to help their fellow citizens, committee members are not surprised by the large number of candidates. With so many outstanding officers, selecting one recipient per month proved to be a somewhat daunting task.
When asked why bestow these awards, CPF Executive Director Charles W. Lane, Jr. states, “In today’s busy world, while some deeds may seem fairly insignificant, we hold out hope that such random acts of kindness may have a significant impact on a person’s life. Even if not, it’s nice to know that our police officers do for others what they would want someone else to do for a member of their family if the opportunity presented itself.”
Police officers across this great country perform similar deeds day-in and day-out, with little fanfare and really not seeking, nor even wanting recognition. We commend these officers for their compassion and personal commitment to making our city a better place to live.