The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) has announced the selection of Officer Vincent Jamison of the Chicago Police Department as its Officer of the Month for January 2009.

In September 2008, Officer Jamison traveled to Utah to attend a law enforcement training conference. On Saturday, September 13, prior to leaving for the airport to return to Chicago, Officer Jamison stopped for breakfast. What began as a quiet travel day soon took a turn that no one could have predicted.

As Officer Jamison exited the restaurant to wait for his partner, he observed a couple in the parking lot apparently saying goodbye to each other. Before they separated, a stranger approached the couple, walked up to the man, and simply stated, "I'm sorry." With lightening speed he drew a pair of scissors and proceeded to stab the victim in the face, neck, and arms. Officer Jamison witnessed the attack and rushed to help the victim and subdue the assailant.

A firearms instructor at the Chicago Police Education and Training Division, Officer Jamison announced that he was an officer, drew his weapon, and as he approached the offender, ordered him to drop the weapon. When the offender made further movements to stab the victim once again, Officer Jamison fired his weapon. Wounded, the suspect attempted to flee. Officer Jamison gave chase, apprehended the offender, and held him for the responding local police.

Officer Jamison's actions not only saved the life of the person being attacked, but also prevented any other individual on the scene from being injured by the suspect. It was later learned that the suspect, who had been under doctor's care, had stopped taking his medications.

"Officer Jamison's heroic actions exemplified the very core values that we instill in each and every Chicago police officer: professionalism, obligation, leadership, integrity, courage, and excellence," said Commander Ronald Pontecore of the Chicago Police Department's Recruit Training Section.

Prior to joining the Chicago Police Department seven years ago, Officer Jamison was a United States Army Ranger-Airborne Division and a Certified Sniper. He is a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #7 and the United States Practical Shooting Association. In addition, he is a Certified Firearms Instructor with the Spartan Tactical Training Group, a member of his department's Gang Tactical Team, and a Carbine Rifle Trainer.

Located in the nation's capital, the NLEOMF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of America's law enforcement officers. The NLEOMF Officer of the Month Program began in September 1996 and recognizes federal, state and local officers who distinguish themselves through exemplary law enforcement service and devotion to duty.

The NLEOMF Officer of the Month Program is sponsored by a generous contribution from THE FORCE.