The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund

OFFICER OF THE MONTH - JANUARY 1999

MASTER PATROL OFFICER MELVIN E. BLUNT
LEE'S SUMMIT, MISSOURI

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) has announced the selection of Master Patrol Officer Melvin E. Blunt, of Lee's Summit, Missouri, as its Officer of the Month for January 1999.

"All of the awards that Officer Blunt has earned offer clear evidence that he is an exceptional officer," stated NLEOMF Chairman Craig W. Floyd. "But it's only after learning how respected he is by his colleagues and how beloved he is by the people he serves, especially the young people, that you fully appreciate the true worth of this special man."

For the past 22 years, Master Patrol Officer Melvin Blunt has dedicated his life to safeguarding the citizens of Lee's Summit, Missouri. In 1997, he received one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a law enforcement officer when he was selected by the citizens he serves as Officer of the Year.

In 1975 Officer Blunt began his career as a reserve police officer. He became a full-time officer in 1977. A recipient of the Silver Medal of Valor, the Silver Medal of Bravery and the Medal for Valor, Officer Blunt has distinguished himself throughout his long career. His courage and selfless devotion to the profession is simply unquestioned.

Consider, for example, that he almost lost his life during a harrowing experience on May 13, 1983. During a traffic stop, he was shot twice by a wanted felon and was severely wounded. Despite his serious injuries, Officer Blunt was still able to radio for assistance and provide a description of the shooter and the direction of escape. As a result of his professionalism and extreme courage under great duress, Officer Blunt's assailant was soon captured.

Upon returning to work, he dedicated his career to fighting crime through education and community support and to improving the quality of life for children. In 1988, Officer Blunt founded the Lee's Summit Youth Court to assist as a first level diversion program from referrals to the Juvenile Court. As of this date, there have been over 1,080 juveniles referred to the program, who have contributed over 30,000 hours of community service work to local non-profit organizations.

"Officer Blunt exemplifies community oriented policing," says Sergeant Christopher Salva. "He goes beyond law enforcement parameters to get the job done for children. He's very active in the community outside police work."

Officer Blunt has also received recognition from several civic organizations, including the Missouri PTA "for his contributions to the improvement of the quality of life to all children in Lee's Summit." Police Chief Kenneth Conlee says of his dedicated officer, "Kids follow him around like a Pied Piper. He's dedicated his existence to young people and he loves kids."

In addition to his other duties, Officer Blunt is also a D.A.R.E. instructor. His partner and friend of over 20 years said, "Officer Mel is one of those exceptional people in law enforcement. He's a role model and an asset to our community and the profession. He routinely puts the needs of others before self and always has time for his friends. I'm proud to be his partner and friend."

The Washington, D.C.-based NLEOMF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of America's law enforcement officers. They were authorized by Congress to build the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, which was dedicated in 1991. Their Officer of the Month program began in 1996 and recognizes federal, state and local officers who distinguish themselves through exemplary law enforcement service and devotion to duty.