The Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to recognize Patrol Officers Mariah Rodriguez and Cody Ratliff as our May 2023 Police Officers of the Month.
The duties of a Cleveland Police Department (CPD) officer often entail responding to heartbreaking crimes. This grim reality was deeply felt by Patrol Officers Mariah Rodriguez and Cody Ratliff, May’s Police Officers of the Month.
Rodriguez and Ratliff found themselves at the scene of a horrifying incident in which a suspect tragically murdered his own family members and severely injured his young niece. The brutality of this crime had a profound effect on the officers, inspiring them to take steps beyond their official duties to help the young survivor.
In the days following the incident, Rodriguez and Ratliff decided they wanted to do something special for the young girl. They reached out to her family and, with their permission and the approval of the Cleveland Clinic, organized a surprise visit from a non-profit organization, Princesses Against Cancer.
The officers’ initiative and collaboration with the organization enabled the young girl to experience a magical visit, transforming her into a princess for the day. She enjoyed having her nails painted, coloring pictures, and sharing plenty of smiles with Princesses Anna and Elsa.
When asked about Officers Rodriguez and Ratliff, their immediate supervisor, Sgt. Freddy Diaz, said, “They are outstanding officers, compassionate and professional, and are a great example of what Cleveland Police Officers represent.”
The extraordinary compassion and dedication demonstrated by Officers Rodriguez and Ratliff made a significant difference to a young girl in a difficult time. The Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to name these heroes in blue as the Police Officers of the Month for May 2023.
– Bob Guttu, CPF
(Nominated by Sergeant Freddy Diaz)
More about the Police Officer of the Month Program . . .