USCP Sergeant Named Officer of the Year by Capitol Hill Executive Service Club

The National Exchange Club is a service organization that promotes national pride and provides varying community services via local clubs across the United States. Each year, as a part of the organization’s crime and fire prevention community service activities, the local Exchange Club recognizes a law enforcement officer who has shown outstanding performance of duty with its prestigious Officer of the Year award. Individuals that receive this award must display exemplary service, display excellence in police duties, or perform an act of service displaying heroism at risk to personal safety.

The National Exchange Club is a service organization that promotes national pride and provides varying community services via local clubs across the United States. Each year, as a part of the organization’s crime and fire prevention community service activities, the local Exchange Club recognizes a law enforcement officer who has shown outstanding performance of duty with its prestigious Officer of the Year award. Individuals that receive this award must display exemplary service, display excellence in police duties, or perform an act of service displaying heroism at risk to personal safety.

On September 2, 2010, as a member of the Hostage Negotiation Team, Sergeant Breiterman was called to the scene of a suicidal subject threatening to jump off of a bridge. The subject claimed to have a razor that he wanted to use to cut his throat and a gun in his pocket. Negotiations had been unsuccessful prior to Sergeant Breiterman’s arrival, so she began face-to-face negotiations with the subject. The Metropolitan Police Department and DC Fire Department began a tactical approach, which agitated the subject who then put both of his legs over the bridge railing. Sergeant Breiterman advised them to back off of their approach and continued her negotiations. She was then able to get the subject to climb back down to the street side of the railing, at which time he taken into police custody for an emergency psychiatric evaluation.

By taking her time with the subject, displaying compassion, and developing trust, Sergeant Breiterman was able to successfully resolve the situation. She represented the Department in a professional manner and treated the subject with respect. Sergeant Breiterman’s actions saved a life that day.

Please join us in congratulating Sergeant Breiterman. Her exceptional service exemplifies the values of our Department: Unflinching — Sincere — Courteous — Principled.

If there are any questions about these events or our security procedures, you may contact the United States Capitol Police Public Information Office at 202-224-1677.

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