Mayor Jeff Porter recognized Officer Phillip Beaver as Officer of the Month at the Special Presentations on February 21, 2018 for his exceptional public service and work on the Homestead Police Department during the month of June 2017.
Captain Raymond DeJohn recounted the primary incident that led to Beaver being recognized. Around the midnight hour on June 5, Beaver and his partner, Officer Newton, were working a plain-clothes crime suppression detail, when they observed an individual riding an off-road dirt bike on a public roadway.
They tried to stop him and he fled, which resulted a very short vehicle pursuit. The subject fled on the dirt bike into a parking lot that was completely enclosed with a fence except for the entrance/exit. Beaver utilized his vehicle to block the only path of escape. The subject then jumped off the bike and fled on foot, with Beaver in foot pursuit. The subject pulled a 9mm handgun from his waist. “Fortunately for all involved, he took the weapon and threw it over a fence,” explained DeJohn.
The subject was arrested with further incident. After being advised of his rights, the subject stated that he was participating in a gang initiation, in which he had to shoot any person or a police officer.
“Through Officer Beaver’s quick tactical thinking and keeping safety in mind, he was able to take this person into custody without incident,” stated DeJohn, adding “In addition, Officer Beaver was highly productive during that month.” He noted that Beaver had handled 300 calls for service, 160 business and neighborhood checks and seven arrests, along with writing 24 citations and 16 reports.
Mayor Porter read and presented Beaver with a certificate thanking him for his distinguished service and for “going above and beyond.” Expressing the City of Homestead’s appreciation, he said, “Congratulations, Sir.”
Beaver thanked Mayor Porter, the City Council, Chief Rolle, Captain DeJohn and Captain Washington, saying, “It was an honor to be nominated and presented this [recognition] tonight. Every day, a lot of friends and officers I work with go above and beyond for the city and the citizens and it’s what makes the Homestead Police Department what it is.”
This is Officer Beaver’s first Officer of the Month Award. He has been with Homestead Police Department for 11 years, starting as a reserve officer in February 2007 and becoming a full-time officer in August 2007. He is a member of Uniform Patrol assigned to day shift.