Washington,
D.C. – The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) has
announced the selection of Corrections Officer Reeshemah Taylor of the Osceola
County (FL) Corrections Department as its Officer of the Month for February
2010.
Already serving three consecutive life sentences with no chance for parole
and with another armed robbery trial looming, the inmate knew one thing: he was
escaping and would take out anyone who got in his way. Armed with a 9mm handgun
and dressed in a stolen correctional officer’s uniform, the career criminal
thought he was going to get away with his plan. Only one problem: he forgot to
count on the courageous will and determination of Corrections Officer Reeshemah
Taylor.
On June 22, 2009, Officer Taylor, a seven-year law enforcement veteran, began
performing her duties as usual while assigned to the Osceola County Corrections
Department Medical Unit. When one of her fellow officers did not answer to
repeated attempts to contact him, Officer Taylor began looking for him. When she
heard whispering coming from a cell she decided to check it out.
Unbeknownst to Officer Taylor, the inmate had pulled a gun on the missing
officer while arriving at his cell after making a phone call. Holding the gun to
the officer’s head, the inmate demanded the officer’s uniform and equipment
while threatening to shoot him if he made any noise.
Officer Taylor entered the cell, and the inmate instantly placed the gun to
her forehead. Instinctively Officer Taylor grabbed the inmate’s hand holding the
gun, diverting it from her head, and delivered a knee strike to the inmate’s
groin. The inmate fell to the ground, dislodging the gun from his hand. Officer
Taylor immediately jumped on the inmate’s back to keep him from regaining
control of the weapon. She placed the inmate in a headlock and scissoring his
lower body with her legs in order to keep the inmate on the floor and away from
the gun. With her free hand she utilized her portable radio to call for backup
and held the inmate until assistance arrived.
“Officer Taylor engaged an inmate that was far superior in size, strength,
motivation, and intention. She successfully subdued this inmate through sheer
determination, instincts, will and a courageous heart. Her efforts, in the face
of imminent death, saved the lives of many,” wrote Greg Futch, Chief of
Corrections for the Osceola County Corrections Department. “By her undaunted
courage, intrepid fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty, Officer
Taylor gallantly placed her life in danger, to prevent harm to others, thereby
reflecting great credit upon her and upholding the highest traditions of Osceola
County Corrections Department and the law enforcement community.”
For her courageous actions that day, Officer Taylor has been awarded the
Medal of Honor by the Osceola County Corrections Department and the Officer of
the Year for 2009 by the Kissimmee Elks Lodge #1873. She has been nominated for
Officer of the Year with the American Jail Association, American Correctional
Association, and the Florida Sheriff’s Association. Additionally, she was
awarded the Congressional Distinguished Service Award issued by U.S.
Representative Alan Grayson.
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.
Officer Taylor, along with the other Officers of the Month for 2010, will be
honored at a special awards luncheon in Washington, DC, in May 2011 during
National Police Week. In addition, their stories of heroism and service will be
featured in the Memorial Fund’s 2012 calendar.
