Fort Walton Beach police officer named Hero Grade, honor for service that puts community first
Fort Walton Beach, Florida – Fort Walton Beach Master Police Officer Marcus Montgomery has received a new honor for work that city officials say reflects the quiet, steady kind of service residents often remember long after an emergency has passed.
The City of Fort Walton Beach announced that Montgomery was recently recognized by CentralSquare Technologies, a public safety and administration software company, through its “Nominate a Hero” program. The program highlights first responders and public employees who go beyond their daily duties to make a meaningful difference in the communities they serve.
Montgomery was selected as one of five first responders and public employees named “Hero Grade” from more than 40 submissions. According to the program, being “Hero-Grade” means showing up with purpose, making an impact, and lifting others along the way. The recognition is meant for people whose work stands out through qualities such as compassion, leadership, resilience, and service.
In Montgomery’s case, the honor reflects a pattern of community-first policing, according to the city.
“Marcus continuously goes above and beyond to help residents in our community and resolves any issue he’s faced with, always putting the community first in his decision-making. He inspires others in his department to continue to rise to any challenge and deliver lifesaving service,” the city wrote in a statement.
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The recognition follows another recent honor inside the Fort Walton Beach Police Department. Earlier this year, Police Chief Robert Bage presented Montgomery with the department’s 2025 Officer of the Quarter award for the fourth quarter. That award was tied to Montgomery’s efforts to help a resident who depended on oxygen equipment get power restored to her home.
For residents, that kind of response can mean far more than a routine call for service. It can be the difference between fear and relief, especially when a person’s safety depends on something as basic and urgent as electricity.
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Montgomery recently marked his 11th year with the Fort Walton Beach Police Department, adding this latest recognition to more than a decade of service in the city. Officials said they are grateful for his continued commitment to Fort Walton Beach and its residents, and congratulated him for being named among CentralSquare Technologies’ “Hero Grade” honorees.
