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National Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter of the Year awards presented during national convention.

A Wisconsin police officer and an Ohio firefighter were honored on Sept. 2 by �鶹��ƵAV as the organization’s National Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter of the Year. 

The awards were presented during �鶹��ƵAV National Convention in Louisville, Ky., to Two Rivers (Wis.) Police Department Assistant Chief Melissa Wiesner, and to the Sidney (Ohio) Department of Fire & Emergency Services Firefighter/EMT Lucas Woodward.

“America is blessed to have so many amazing and dedicated police officers and firefighters,” American Legion National Commander Dan K. Wiley said. “Their split-second decisions can mean life or death and often invite intense scrutiny. Bad officers generate news headlines, while good officers are often not given the same attention nor the recognition that they deserve.”

Wiesner is a 24-year member of the Two Rivers Police Department and is married to a retired Army first sergeant. In addition to her police officer duties, she also is a mental health advocate. 

“Just like we have seen with veterans, the first responder community experiences disproportionately high suicide rates,” Wiley said. “Our Officer of the Year cares passionately about people in crisis and has organized a national wellness symposium held annually in Wisconsin.”

“As you heard earlier, I love to give back and work with my community,” Wiesner said. “I try to volunteer any time I can. Part of that passion is mental health and giving back to members who serve and give their lives for others.”

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Woodward is a veteran of the Ohio National Guard, where he served as a combat medic, and has been a part of Sydney’s fire department since 2018. Since then, he has been recognized for his outstanding response to numerous official calls, including the rescue of two elderly residents and their grandchildren from a flood. 

“His list of voluntary endeavors is long and impressive,” Wiley said. “He is responsible for many of his department’s best practices and always exceeds its high standards. He has streamlined the acquisition and storage of EMS equipment, maximized efficiency by developing software solutions and engaged with multiple mission-critical committees.”

Woodward said a critical lesson he learned in the military has transferred to being a first responder.

“Nothing meaningful is ever accomplished alone,” he said. “Every role matters. Every effort matters. We fight as a team. We succeed only when we work together toward something greater than ourselves. Duty, selfless service, integrity, placing the mission first. These are the values that continue to unite all who answer the call to serve.”