The Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM) proudly recognized Officers Peter Miller, Alex Mawer, and Joseph Coffey of the Saginaw Police Department with the 2026 Police Officer of the Year Award during the Business Meeting at our Annual Convention, held in Grand Rapids. This year’s ceremony brought together law enforcement professionals from across the state to honor the year’s most distinguished acts of service.
Confronting an Armed and Advancing Suspect
The officers were honored for their decisive actions and professionalism during a dangerous domestic violence incident on March 30, 2025, in Saginaw, Michigan.
That evening, officers were dispatched to a residence following reports of a domestic disturbance. The situation escalated quickly when the caller reported that her son was armed with a knife and had expressed intent to force a deadly encounter with police.
Officers Miller and Genia were first to respond, with Officers Mawer and Coffey immediately advising dispatch they were en route to assist. Upon arrival, officers encountered the suspect walking in the roadway with his hands concealed in his sweatshirt pocket. Despite repeated commands to show his hands, the suspect refused and warned officers not to approach.
With knowledge that the suspect was armed, Officer Miller deployed a Taser in an attempt to safely de-escalate the situation. The attempt was unsuccessful, and the suspect fled on foot across a nearby yard. Officers Miller, Mawer, and Coffey pursued.
Within moments, the suspect abruptly stopped, turned, and produced a knife. Raising it in an aggressive stance, he charged directly toward the officers, closing the distance to within approximately ten to fifteen feet. Officers issued repeated commands to drop the weapon, but the suspect did not comply.
Faced with an immediate and life-threatening attack, officers discharged their firearms to stop the threat.
Even after the suspect was down, the situation remained volatile. The weapon was believed to be beneath him, and his hands were not visible. Officer Mawer carefully approached, pulling the suspect away from the knife, while Officers Miller and Coffey secured his arms and placed him into custody.
With the threat neutralized, the officers immediately shifted their focus to lifesaving efforts. Officer Miller retrieved his trauma kit and began administering aid. Working together in difficult conditions, including heavy rain and low visibility, officers located the wound, applied a chest seal, and continued care until additional officers arrived.
CPR was initiated as officers worked continuously to sustain the suspect’s life until emergency medical services transported him to the local hospital.
Congratulations to these Saginaw City Police Officers Association’s Officers
POAM commends Officers Peter Miller, Alex Mawer, and Joseph Coffey for their courage, restraint, and commitment to preserving life under the most challenging circumstances.