Pennsylvania Officer Named NLEOMF Officer of the Month

WASHINGTON, The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) has announced the selection of Officer Jeffrey McCloskey of the West Whiteland Township (Pa.) Police Department as its Officer of the Month for November 2005. McCloskey won this award for rescuing two women from their burning vehicle.

At approximately 1:40 a.m. on the morning of November 29, 2003, while on routine patrol, McCloskey noticed an automobile engulfed in flames. Positioning his police cruiser to block oncoming traffic, he cautiously approached the wreckage and found a woman in a semiconscious state, lying on the road. While aiding her and radioing for assistance, he heard the faint cries of another person coming from inside the burning car.

Gasoline covered the road and sparks blew from the inferno, but without hesitation McCloskey ran to the burning vehicle where he discovered another young woman whose clothes were ablaze. Amazed that she was still alive yet aware that the vehicle could explode at any time, McCloskey worked feverishly to free her from the car. Many others would have waited for assistance from firefighters or try to extinguish the flames using dry chemicals before attempting a rescue. McCloskey knew, however, that either of those choices would have cost the victim her life.

He continues to serve with the West Whiteland Police Department and is a member of the department’s bike unit, motorcycle unit, and SWAT team. He is a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician. He and his wife, Kimberly, reside in the Upper Providence area with their daughter, Sarah.

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