The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund

OFFICER OF THE MONTH - MAY 1999

OFFICER JOSEPH F. DALTON
HOLLYWOOD (FL) POLICE DEPARTMENT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) has announced the selection of Officer Joseph F. Dalton, of the Hollywood (FL) Police Department, as its Officer of the Month for May 1999.

Eight years ago when Officer Joseph Dalton participated in the dedication of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, he never dreamed he would be returning to represent his police department as one of the Memorial's Officers of the Month. The first officer to be nominated by his department for the award, Officer Dalton routinely shuns attention and concentrates on doing his job, protecting the citizens of Hollywood, Florida. "This award will probably be more prestigious to the police department," says Sgt. John Lunney, Officer Dalton's supervisor, "than it will be to Officer Dalton. He is the type of police officer who sees his reward as the attainment of a goal or objective; usually those goals and objectives are solutions to problems and difficulties faced by the community or other officers. When an assignment is given, he will attack it with a tenacity that others should emulate."

A highly decorated law enforcement officer, Officer Dalton began his police career in the military. After returning home, he spent the next four years as a police officer in New Hampshire before moving to Hollywood and joining their department in 1984.

Considered by his superiors to be one of the most dedicated and knowledgeable officers within his agency, Officer Dalton is known for his calm control in the face of adversity and his resilient investigative skills. A patrolman for 14 years, Officer Dalton recently was confronted with his most difficult case. When an 18-year-old woman was slain and her father was shot repeatedly, Officer Dalton quickly established a perimeter and, as a consequence of his fast actions, the suspect was arrested in less than two hours. Ironically, during his entire career, Officer Dalton has never fired his weapon, choosing to use his communication and education skills to handle a multitude of difficult and sometimes life-threatening situations.

Officer Dalton also exhibits an expert ability to work effectively with individuals who are contemplating suicide and he has always been successful in securing the safety of those individuals.

"He's always at peak performance," says Sgt. Roni Mangan. The recipient of more than 30 awards, commendations and letters of recognition by superiors, Officer Dalton is also recognized routinely by the citizens he serves and the other law enforcement agencies he assists. From the solemn appreciation from two elderly ladies who called because their neighbor wasn't responding, to the Crisis Intervention Service, to the U.S. Department of Justice, Officer Joseph Dalton continuously contributes an outstanding performance and exhibits dedication to his department, his community and his family.

In addition to his police work, Officer Dalton goes above and beyond during times of natural disasters, such as during Hurricane Andrew when he volunteered to work extra shifts for the Homestead, Florida Police Department.

Hollywood Police Chief Al Lamberti says it best: "Our nomination of Officer Dalton reflects his tenacity, perseverance and dedication to his law enforcement profession. Receiving this award demonstrates that he is being recognized for his overall outstanding performance and not for any one single incident."