By Police1 Staff
From small gestures of kindness to incredible acts of heroism, police officers help their communities every day. Our monthly news roundup, The Up-Beat, aims to bring greater attention to these inspiring stories.
This month, we’re highlighting a life-saving donation, dramatic rescues and more stories of cops lending a hand. Do you have an uplifting story to share? Email editor@police1.com or submit a story using the link below.
1. HERO OF THE MONTH: Officer Jackie Ravelo
Two years ago, Officer Jackie Ravelo gave up a part of herself to help her community – literally. Thanks to her kidney donation, a young girl is alive today.
“I have three daughters and you kind of put their face to that,” Ravelo said. “You know I can’t imagine the pain that [her mother] felt and wanting to make things better or do something that can help her.”
Ravelo and young Lily couldn’t meet until two years after the surgery because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, they can speak face to face. FULL STORY
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=949321392657693
2. Cop stops speeding car and finds woman in labor, drives her to hospital himself
All ambulances were responding to other calls, so Trooper Cabrera took the soon-to-be mom in his cruiser. FULL STORY
https://www.facebook.com/218158751601449/photos/a.227475680669756/4753464744737471/?type=3
3. University police officers honored for saving a life after powerline accident
Officer Brett Morava and Lt. Glenn McCune have used an AED not once but twice to save lives in the last few years. Most recently, they saved a man who went into cardiac arrest after a powerline explosion. FULL STORY
4. LAPD cops honored for rescuing pilot who crash-landed on train tracks
Dramatic bodycam video showed that LAPD officers had only seconds to save a pilot before a train smashed into his airplane. In January they were honored for their heroics. FULL STORY
5. ‘I got you, buddy': Watch Fla. cop free dolphin tangled in net
A dolphin tangled in a fishing net was rescued by Miami-Dade police officer Nelson Silva while he was out patrolling with the Marine Unit. It took a few tries, but Flipper lived to swim another day. FULL STORY
PLUS, A HERO’S HERO: Wounded Wis. officer surprised with Super Bowl trip
A Milwaukee police officer and lifelong Bengals fan is headed to Super Bowl LVI after being shot in the line of duty last week. It’s all thanks to a generation donation from a local radio station. FULL STORY
Whether it’s your own story, a colleague’s, a neighboring PD’s, or simply something you saw on the internet, submit your good police news to us HERE for a chance to be featured in The Up-Beat.