As a former CPD officer, I know that dedicated police officers often go beyond the call of duty without expecting or seeking recognition. This was certainly the case for Patrol Officer Ryan Hinkle of the Third District, whose actions were brought to our attention by Lt. Stephen Beckner.
Lt. Beckner shared, “Patrol Officer Hinkle had a history with a distraught male at the Greyhound Station who was clearly out of options for transportation. Without hesitation, Officer Hinkle purchased a ticket for the male to Canton, Ohio, asking nothing in return, even after the man offered to reimburse him. Officer Hinkle’s actions left a lasting, positive impression on the individual, as well as others in the station, improving police-community relations.”
“This act of kindness would have gone unnoticed if not for a random video review, and I believe it aligns with the goals of the Cleveland Police Foundation’s Officer of the Month award,” Beckner continued.
For his compassion and selflessness, the Cleveland Police Foundation is proud to name Patrol Officer Ryan Hinkle our Police Officer of the Month for September 2024.
– Bob Guttu, CPF
Nominated by Third District Lt. Stephen Beckner
2024 POMs 2023 POMs 2022 POMs 2021 POMs 2020 POMs 2019 POMs 2018 POMs 2017 POMs 2016 POMs
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.