Bradenton Officers Named September Officers of the Month
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund honors four officers for a nighttime rescue in the Manatee River.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Emergency Response
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund recognized four Bradenton police officers as the Officers of the Month for September 2026. The department members were honored for their successful efforts to rescue a man from the Manatee River.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the coordinated emergency response required to perform water rescues in difficult conditions. This award draws attention to the specific life-saving actions taken by local law enforcement officers while on duty.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund selected four officers for the September 2026 honor following their rescue of a man who had been in the Manatee River for at least one hour.
The players
Andres Perez
He is a Sergeant with the Bradenton Police Department who was honored for his role in the river rescue.
Rosey Bautista
She is an officer with the Bradenton Police Department who was recognized for her participation in the rescue.
Michael Wall
He is an officer with the Bradenton Police Department who assisted in locating and recovering the man.
Alexandra Fallacaro
She is an officer with the Bradenton Police Department who helped perform the rescue operation.
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund
This organization honors law enforcement officers and maintains a memorial in Washington, D.C., to commemorate those who have served.
The details
Sergeant Andres Perez and Officers Rosey Bautista, Michael Wall, and Alexandra Fallacaro utilized a civilian boat to locate the man at night. After hearing the individual's voice from the shore, the team worked together to encourage him to climb onto the boat before medical personnel transported him to a hospital.
Timeline
The rescue occurred at night in September 2026.
The officers were named Officers of the Month in September 2026.
Seasonal Patterns
The recognition of these officers by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund follows the established pattern of the organization identifying significant acts of valor by local personnel. This award highlights the high-stakes nature of emergency response work in river environments.
Residents should remain aware of safety protocols near the Manatee River during nighttime hours to help emergency responders during potential incidents. If you encounter someone in distress in local waters, contact emergency services immediately rather than attempting a solo rescue.
The takeaway
This incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of coordinated public safety operations in protecting community members. Residents can support local law enforcement by remaining alert to surroundings and reporting potential hazards in public areas promptly.
Further reading
For more information on local safety efforts, visit Bradenton Emergency Response.
