The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) has named Deputy Michael Castaneda of the San Bernardino (CA) County Sheriff’s Department as the Officer of the Month for October 2024. Deputy Castaneda was selected for his actions, while off-duty, when he sprinted to rescue a child off of train tracks while a train was barreling towards them.

 Deputy Castaneda was driving home when he noticed an SUV stuck on the tracks at a rural railroad crossing. As the crossing gate began to close, Castaneda observed the vehicle’s driver struggling to maneuver off the tracks but becoming immobilized in gravel. The driver, later identified as the child’s mother, exited the car, setting down one child before going back to retrieve another, video shows. Deputy Castaneda rushed toward the child left on the ground, picking them up and sprinting away from the tracks as the train approached. In the video, the mother is seen running in the opposite direction with her other child.

“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. “We are humbled and proud to honor Deputy Castaneda as our Officer of the Month for October 2024.”

The Officer of the Month Award Program, sponsored by the Police Unity Tour, recognizes federal, state, and local officers who demonstrate exemplary law enforcement service and dedication to their duty.