This past September, Third District Patrol Officers Jonathon Selleny and Liam Harlan were awarded the Special Commendation Award at the Third District Community Relations Awards Ceremony. The following is the scenario behind this well-deserved recognition:
On May 26, 2024, Patrol Officers Selleny and Harlan responded to a radio call reporting drag racing in a school parking lot. This location was known to the officers as a frequent site for illegal street racing, reckless stunts, and numerous citizen complaints. Upon arriving, they observed dozens of vehicles driving recklessly.
As the officers arrived, the vehicles began dispersing. While on the scene, they heard gunshots coming from within the parking lot. Despite the large number of vehicles and the dangerous circumstances, Officers Selleny and Harlan successfully stopped one of the vehicles as it attempted to leave the lot.
Approaching the vehicle, they immediately noticed the buttstock of what appeared to be an assault rifle between the two males inside. Acting swiftly, they detained the suspects and confirmed the weapon was fully loaded and ready to fire. Both individuals were arrested, and the rifle was confiscated.
The exceptional work of these officers ensured dangerous criminals and weapons were removed from the streets, making the neighborhood safer for all.
It is because of their commitment to the Cleveland Division of Police and the community they serve that the Cleveland Police Foundation is proud to name Patrol Officers Jonathon Selleny and Liam Harlan as our Police Officers of the Month for December 2024.
– Bob Guttu, CPF
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.