The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) today announced that Deputy Sheriff Dijon Whyms of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Department (NC) is the Officer of the Month for August 2022. Whyms was selected for this honor after his heroic actions following a traffic stop during which he was shot multiple times earlier this year. 

On Feb. 19, Whyms initiated a traffic stop after receiving a call about a driver believed to be suffering from a mental crisis. As the officer approached the stopped vehicle, the driver immediately began firing numerous shots at Whyms, hitting him twice in his lower body and three times in his upper body.

Whyms subsequently returned fire, injuring the shooter, who then fled the scene in his vehicle. The deputy, despite being shot multiple times, remained poised and calm when speaking on the radio, demonstrating how his focus and resolve helped him survive this encounter. Even while suffering with significant injuries, Whyms did not hesitate to assist the concerned father, further speaking to his commitment to deliberate service to the citizens of Mecklenburg County.     

“Deputy Dijon Whyms demonstrated exceptional officer training at a time where it was needed the most,” says Marcia Ferranto, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. “His focus, calm composure, and extensive officer education is what helped him survive that day, and we are proud to honor him with the Officer of the Month award.”

While Whyms is currently on extended administrative leave, he remains committed to returning to duty and is expected to fully recover in the months ahead. 

This month’s Officer of the Month Award is sponsored by Off Duty Management, who combines the strength and value of their team to serve, support, and protect the men and women of law enforcement by providing them with high-quality technology, insurance, and administrative resources.

To learn more about the Officer of the Month program, visit: https://nleomf.org/officer-of-the-month-award/

About NLEOMF

Established in 1984, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the fallen, telling the story of American law enforcement, and making it safer for those who serve. The first pillar of this mission, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., honors the names of all of the 23,229 officers who have died in the line of duty to date throughout U.S. history. Additionally, NLEOMF maintains and publishes comprehensive details on the circumstances surrounding official line-of-duty deaths. The Officer Safety and Wellness pillar uses that data, coupled with best-practice program models, to produce programming directed at solutions to improve survivability and enhance wellness. NLEOMF’s third pillar, the National Law Enforcement Museum is committed to preserving the history of American law enforcement and sharing the experiences of service and sacrifice for generations to come.