BOWIE, Md. — A Maryland police officer is getting some much deserved attention, and it's helping us feel uplifted!
Back in May, a dog was struggling to stay afloat when it jumped into the deep end of a pond at Centennial Park in Bowie. The dogs owner, a teenage boy, jumped into try to save his pet when he began to struggle in the water.
Sergeant Matthew Titman with the Bowie Police Department responded to the pond and knew what he had to do.
"He made it to just about the area of the fountain and then grabbed on to the dog and all of a sudden he panicked and started yelling out for help," Titman said. "I pulled my vest over my head, dropped my belt. I looked at my partner and was like, 'Watch my stuff, I'm going in.'"
Titman brought both the teenager and the dog to safety. For his quick, life-saving actions, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund named him Officer of the Month for May 2024.
It turns out the sergeant spent eight years as a lifeguard. His training and instincts certainly kicked in.
“These officers are heroes, and their actions serve to highlight the countless acts of valor which often go unnoticed and without the recognition or fanfare such acts deserve,” said William Alexander, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. “We are humbled and proud to honor Sgt. Titman as our Officer of the Month for May 2024.”
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