2024 Police Officer of the Month Awards

August Police Officer of the Month Detective Rebecca Werner is an 18-year veteran of the City of Cleveland Division of Police and a current detective in the 4th District Detective Bureau.

When I contacted Fourth District Sgt. Michael Schroeder to obtain info on her work ethic, he stated, “Detective Werner is very thorough and extremely meticulous when it comes to handling her cases and assisting her fellow detectives and patrol officers.

“Detective Werner is also very well versed with handling cases involving juveniles. Handling cases involving juveniles can be extremely difficult, but she is constantly able to get favorable results.

“Her reports are so thorough and complete that the City and County Prosecutor’s Offices are always calling the office to give her compliments. She is a valued member of the division and an exceptional detective. ”

I personally had a very positive experience with Detective Werner when she contacted me about a student that had been shot in front of a local high school last December and wanted to ensure he had a special Christmas. I’m happy to report that with the help of some Xmas elves we indeed did make it a special holiday for the young man thanks to Detective Werner.

It is because of her caring for her fellow citizens and dedication to her work that the Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to name Detective Rebecca Werner our Police Officer of the Month for August 2024.

– Bob Guttu, CPF

Nominated by Fourth District Sergeant Michael Schroeder

This month’s Cleveland Police Foundation’s Police Officers of the Month are Sgt. Teresa Gomez and Detective T.J. Powell of the Homicide Unit. They investigated a horrific crime involving a child left alone for 10 days, where they not only made an arrest but also spoke on behalf of the 16-month-old angel at the perpetrator’s sentencing. Both officers stepped up and advocated for the victim with heartfelt speeches when none of her family showed up.

I asked Lt. James Bryant, these officers’ immediate supervisor, about this incident. He stated, “Make no mistake about it, Sgt. Teresa Gomez and Detective TJ Powell are heroes every day. This case just happened to get more attention than the many other cases they handle every year. As veteran members of the Cleveland Homicide Unit, they see the absolute worst of our society yet continue to give us their absolute best. They don’t just investigate; they advocate and fight for the most vulnerable among us, often putting aside their own feelings of sadness and disbelief to be the best in our field.

This case is especially difficult for our members, as many of us are also parents and grandparents. It is unimaginable that someone could do this to anyone, especially their own child. When there was no one to speak for this child, Sgt. Gomez and Detective Powell went above and beyond to be a voice for her and see that justice was served on her behalf. This is just another reminder that members of the Cleveland Division of Police are not just protectors, but also your family, friends, neighbors, and community members. Thank you, Sgt. Gomez and Detective Powell, for your continued exemplary work and dedication to our community.”

It is because of their compassion for their work and devotion to the community they serve that the Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to name Sgt. Teresa Gomez and Detective TJ Powell our Police Officers of the Month for June 2024.

– Bob Guttu, CPF

The following is a summary received from Sgt. Eric Newton of the Third District nominating Officers Brittany Vajusi and Jamieson Ritter for the Cleveland Police Foundation’s Police Officer of the Month award.

On February 2, 2024, Patrol Officers Vajusi and Ritter responded to a male shot at 3425 East 69th. Upon their arrival, they located a male lying in the driveway with a gunshot wound to the chest. The male was not conscious, or breathing and had no pulse. Patrol Officers Vajusi and Ritter immediately went to work removing clothing, applying chest seals, and starting CPR. For several minutes, the officers worked tirelessly giving chest compressions and restored the victim’s pulse. Though the victim sadly passed away moments later, the officers gave it their all to give the victim a chance at survival.

On April 20, 2024, Patrol Officers Vajusi and Ritter responded to 1056 Old River Road for a male who had jumped into the Cuyahoga River. Patrol Officers Vajusi and Ritter, along with several other officers, successfully pulled the male from the water. Patrol Officers Vajusi and Ritter assisted in providing first aid and warming the male up in order to prevent hypothermia. The male was conveyed to Metro Hospital. Again, Patrol Officers Vajusi and Ritter played a key role in saving someone’s life.

Most recently, on May 9, 2024, Patrol Officers Vajusi and Ritter responded to a call for a male shot at East 55th and McBride. Upon their arrival, they located a male who had been shot multiple times. For the next five minutes, Patrol Officers Vajusi and Ritter removed the male’s clothing, applied bandages and chest seals, and gave words of encouragement to the male in an effort to keep him alive. As if this wasn’t enough, they were also inquiring for information about who had shot him. Their inquiries ultimately led to the arrest of the suspected shooter. The officers literally conducted the investigation at the same time they were saving the victim’s life. Patrol Officer Ritter stayed with the victim all the way until he was inside the EMS wagon. I do not believe the victim would have survived had it not been for Patrol Officer Vajusi and Ritter’s dedication to saving lives.

It is because of their compassion and dedication that the Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to name Patrol Officers Brittany Vajusi and Jamieson Ritter our Police Officers of the Month for May 2024.

– Bob Guttu, Cleveland Police Foundation

Nominated by 3rd District Sgt. Eric Newton

P.O. Erik Melendez is a dedicated officer who serves both the community and his colleagues with distinction. Currently the Vice President of the Hispanic Police Officers Association, his commitment extends far beyond his official duties.

The individual who nominated him, choosing to remain anonymous, praised Officer Melendez’s unwavering dedication: “Officer Melendez’s dedication is shown through his many contributions to the various community organizations he is part of. Throughout his career, he has always made sure to stay involved with the youth through his regular school/classroom visits at various CMSD schools and has recently ‘adopted’ the PreK and Kindergarten classrooms at Scranton Elementary, where he interacts with the children by reading to them, giving safety talks, and organizing holiday-inspired activities. If there is a CPD community event, it is likely you’ll see Erik present; working as ‘Santa’s Helper’ for the annual Golden Ticket Christmas Party, Coffee with a Cop (in various districts), Safety Fairs, etc.”

Further highlighting his quiet support, the nominator added, “Erik’s dedication to his fellow co-workers typically goes unseen and unnoticed because he is the quiet line of support, done out of respect for the officer’s privacy. He is the most humble person I have ever met and will never believe he is deserving of such recognition. But I can say, without a doubt, he is the bridge that connects the citizens and community of Cleveland with the Cleveland Division of Police.”

Thanks to his caring nature and active involvement in community service, the Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to name P.O. Erik Melendez as its Police Officer of the Month for April 2024.

– Bob Guttu, Cleveland Police Foundation

Nominated Anonymously

This month, the Cleveland Police Foundation has once again recognized Patrol Officer Jessica Wolski as Police Officer of the Month. Last September, she was honored along with her partner for their bravery in rescuing a child trapped under a vehicle that had crashed into an apartment. Officer Wolski’s continuous dedication extends beyond her immediate police duties.

Nominated by CPD Officer Terese Ortiz, Officer Wolski is celebrated not only for her acts of heroism but also for her deep commitment to the community. “P.O. Wolski is an asset and a role model within our community,” Officer Ortiz shared. “She dedicates her time off-duty to coaching soccer for Near West Recreation, serving inner-city youth from the Near West side of the Second District.”

Officer Wolski is now in her second year as a volunteer soccer coach. Despite her demanding schedule, which often includes late nights on duty, she consistently makes time for weekly practices and games, regardless of the weather. Her enthusiasm shines brightest during the muddy games, where she encourages her team to enjoy a playful slide or dive in the mud after a match.

“Patrol Officer Jessica Wolski truly epitomizes what it means to be a community servant,” Ortiz added. “The citizens of Cleveland are fortunate to have such a devoted figure in their midst.” Thanks to her unwavering dedication to both her professional responsibilities and her voluntary efforts, the Cleveland Police Foundation is proud to honor Officer Wolski as our Police Officer of the Month for March 2024.

– Bob Guttu, Cleveland Police Foundation

Nominated by CPD Officer Terese Ortiz

This month’s Police Officers of the Month are Jonnatan Sanchez and Wanda Wright, who have truly earned this recognition and are seen as heroes by many. Last July, while working in the warehouse district, they heard gunfire near West 6th Street and immediately went to investigate. Unable to find the suspect, they turned their attention to rendering first aid to some of the nine people injured outside a bar on West 6th Street.

Among the injured was a woman who needed urgent help. Officer Sanchez used a belt borrowed from a bystander to apply a tourniquet to her leg, a quick-thinking action that likely saved her life. Reflecting on the night, Officer Sanchez shared, “It’s something that comes from within me already, I’ve been wanting to be a police officer since I was a little kid. My grandfather was a firefighter and he instilled in me the need to help others as much as you can.” Officer Wright also commented on their improvisation during the crisis, saying, “Sometimes we don’t have what we need, so we improvise and we do what we have to do.”

Their heroic actions and dedication to caring for others are why the Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to name Officer Jonnatan Sanchez and Officer Wanda Wright our Police Officers of the Month for February 2024.

– Bob Guttu, Cleveland Police Foundation

Nominated by CPD Captain Tim Maffo-Judd

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