This month’s Police Officers of the Month are Patrol Officer David Santiago and his K9 partner Ranger and the following is the narrative provided by Sgt. Eric Newton of the Third District who nominated them.
“I had the opportunity to work Patrol Officer Santiago and Ranger on three high priority assignments in the last two weeks. On January 25, Officer Santiago and Ranger assisted Third District zone cars with a group of drag racers who took over the parking lot of East High School. They assisted with dispersing the crowd, assisted with the arrest of a male with a gun, and towed a vehicle.
“On January 31 Officer Santiago and Ranger helped officers from the Second and Third Districts track down a violent male wanted for Felonious Assault and stayed on the scene until the suspect was in custody.
“Finally on February 1, Officer Santiago and Ranger assisted on the scene of 3422 East 69th with a male who had been shot. They helped secure the crime scene, tracked footprints in the area, and interviewed witnesses, which resulted in critical information being obtained as well as evidence.
“These two have been an indispensable part of the Third District for as long as they have been working together, and respond to every assignment they possibly can, and assist in any way they can. Patrol Officer Santiago is an experienced and dedicated officer, and goes above and beyond his responsibilities as a K9 officer including helping mentor younger officers in the Third District, giving them guidance on their assignments. Patrol Officer Santiago and Ranger’s contribution to Patrol Operations in the Third District has been immeasurable, and I cannot thank them enough for their help, on the above mentioned assignments as well as every time I hear 8276 – their call sign – broadcasted over Channel 3.”
It is because of their diligence and devotion to duty that the Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to name Patrol Officer David Santiago and K9 Officer Ranger our Police Officers of the Month for January 2024.
~ Bob Guttu, Cleveland Police Foundation
Nominated by Third District Lieutenant Eric Newton
