100 Club of Memphis presents its 2026 Medal of Valor and Jerome Turner Community Service Awards at Annual Dinner

2026 Valor Award Winner Memphis Police Officer Josue Almendarez

At 5:48 a.m. on May 23, 2025, Officer Josue Almendarez was at the end of his shift when an armed party call involving a stabbed victim was dispatched.  Realizing he was nearby, Almendarez responded, even though he had not been dispatched. Officer Almendarez arrived first on the scene and promptly began gathering critical information from witnesses, including details regarding the suspect’s description and location. With no other officers yet present, he assessed the circumstances and made the deliberate decision to engage the suspect in an effort tode-escalate the situation. Despite Officer Almendarez’s efforts to contain and control the encounter, the suspect continued moving into a nearby business, increasing the risk to bystanders and employees inside. 

Still operating alone and fully aware of the danger, Officer Almendarez acted decisively to apprehend the suspect before additional lives could be endangered. During the ensuing struggle, the suspect violently resisted and stabbed Officer Almendarez in the left shoulder, striking his ballistic vest. Faced with a direct and potentially fatal threat, Officer Almendarez was forced to fire, striking the suspect and effectively ending the immediate danger. Once the scene was secured, Officer Almendarez immediately transitioned from defensive action to lifesaving efforts. Despite having just been assaulted and injured, he rendered aid to the suspect until additional medical assistance arrived. The suspect later succumbed to his injuries. The original stabbing victim was also treated at the scene and survived. Officer Almendarez’s actions reflect the highest standards of law enforcement service. His willingness to place himself in harm’s way, even after the end of his shift and without immediate backup, exemplifies extraordinary bravery, sound judgment under extreme pressure, and an unwavering commitment to protecting others. His conduct on May 23, 2025 clearly demonstrates valor beyond the call of duty and makes him worthy of The 100 Club’s Valor Award.

2026 Jerome Turner Community Service Award Winner Bartlett Police Reserve Officer Lawrence Ellis

Since 2020, Officer Lawrence Ellis has served as a sworn Reserve Police Officer, volunteering his personal time to support patrol operations throughout Shelby County. In this capacity, he routinely assists with calls for service, traffic enforcement, and accident response, and he frequently provides coverage when full-time officers are on leave. His willingness to serve beyond the expectations of a volunteer role has had a meaningful and lasting impact on public safety, operational readiness, and community trust. His dedication reflects exceptional teamwork, dependability, and a strong sense of duty to both his colleagues and the citizens they serve. Additionally, for the past five years, Officer Ellis has also been a dedicated volunteer and key event organizer for the Bartlett Police Charitable Foundation, a nonprofit organization that strengthens connections between law enforcement and the Bartlett community. His involvement includes coordinating fundraisers such as the Police Week 5K, volunteering at Bartlett’s Fall Fest, and attending National Police Week in Washington, D.C. to honor fallen officers. These efforts promote unity, compassion, and meaningful community support.

Outside of his time with Bartlett Police Department, Officer Ellis has devoted nearly seventeen years as an Assistant Scoutmaster, where he provides leadership, mentorship, and guidance to his troop. He supports the advancement of scouts, assists with recruitment efforts, and ensures that all troop activities adhere to the Scout Oath and Law. Through this long-standing commitment, Officer Ellis has helped shape the character and leadership abilities of countless young people, instilling responsibility, integrity, and civic engagement that extends beyond scouting. All of Officer Ellis’s service is performed in a strictly unpaid, voluntary capacity, alongside maintaining full-time employment and his responsibilities as a devoted family man. Lawrence Ellis exemplifies service, integrity, and selfless dedication, making him a truly deserving recipient of the Jerome Turner Community Service Award.