Every day, first responders put their lives on the line to protect more lives in more places. The Axon RISE Awards honor those who go above and beyond the call of duty—demonstrating heroism, resilience, and selflessness in the face of adversity.

This year, we are proud to announce that 14 extraordinary individuals from ten law enforcement agencies across the United States have been selected as our 2025 Axon RISE Awards Finalists.

Meet the 2025 Axon RISE Award Finalists

Officer Joshua Samuel, Casa Grande Police Department

On Dec. 13, 2024, Officer Joshua Samuel of the Casa Grande Police Department in Arizona arrived at the scene of a house fire and discovered the homeowner trapped inside.

Officer Samuel ripped the metal security door off its frame, entered the burning home, and rescued the homeowner and several pets. He sustained burns to his hands and severe smoke inhalation, but his selflessness and courage in the face of danger saved lives.

Officer Ismael Perez, New Mexico State Police

On July 24, 2023, Officer Ismael Perez of the New Mexico State Police was patrolling Deming, New Mexico, when he saw a sedan run a four-way stop. Moments later, dispatch advised that the vehicle was rushing to the emergency room with an unresponsive newborn.

Officer Perez met the sedan outside the entrance to the emergency room and immediately performed backslaps to clear the baby’s airway. Within seconds, the baby began to breathe and cry. Officer Perez continued to provide care until emergency room staff transported the mother and child inside.

Officer Edwardo Hernandez, The Colony Police Department

On July 19, 2024, Officer Edwardo Hernandez responded to a vehicle on fire, putting himself in immediate danger to rescue the trapped driver.

Acting swiftly, he grabbed his fire extinguisher and attempted to control the flames, but the fire continued to reignite. Determined to save the driver, Officer Hernandez broke the vehicle’s window and pulled them to safety, demonstrating unwavering bravery and decisive leadership in a life-threatening situation.

Officer Jakiya Jones, Baton Rouge Police Department

On May 6, 2024, Officer Jakiya Jones of the Baton Rouge Police Department in Louisiana responded to a distress call about a woman attempting to jump off a bridge.

As Officer Jones used negotiation tactics to try to build a rapport with the subject, she moved in carefully until she was close enough to lunge forward and pull the woman to safety—preventing a tragic outcome.

Sergeant Steve Ross, Everett Police Department

On Dec. 23, 2024, Sergeant Steve Ross of the Everett Police Department in Washington volunteered to work on his day off to help cover holiday staffing shortages.

While responding to a vehicle crash, one of the vehicles caught fire with the unconscious driver still inside. Sergeant Ross pulled the driver to safety and then checked the vehicle for other passengers.

After Sergeant Ross finished his search, the vehicle began rolling down the street with the accelerator stuck. He and his colleague, Officer Flom, guided the runaway vehicle off the roadway, preventing further injuries.

Officer Dalton Hatch, Officer Benjamin Schriver and Officer Bridger Prince, Salt Lake City Police Department

Officers Dalton Hatch, Benjamin Schriver, and Bridger Prince of the Salt Lake City Police Department in Utah were dispatched to a call about a potential jumper at a parking structure.

Before they arrived, they were advised that the individual had left the area, but the officers decided to check the structure anyway. As they neared the top, Officer Hatch spotted a shadow moving toward the edge.

Working together, the officers grabbed the individual in crisis and pulled him back over the ledge, saving his life.

Officer Dalton Schroeder and Officer Jason Wright, Austin Police Department

On Feb. 16, 2024, Officers Dalton Schroeder and Jason Wright of the Austin Police Department in Texas responded to a call about a four-year-old boy choking on candy and throwing up blood.

Upon arrival, they found the child extremely lethargic, drooling, and bleeding from the mouth. Officer Wright took the boy in his arms and delivered multiple back blows in an attempt to dislodge the obstruction.

When the object remained stuck, Officer Wright laid the child on a flat surface, allowing Officer Schroeder to use a LifeVac with a pediatric mouthpiece to deliver suction. After two rounds of LifeVac pumps and back blows, the child’s airway was cleared, and he began to talk.

Once the boy caught his breath, he gave officers a thumbs up, high-fived Officer Schroeder, and then wrapped him in a giant hug.

Detective Alan (AJ) Ortiz, Buffalo Police Department

While off duty, Detective Alan (AJ) Ortiz of the Buffalo Police Department in New York noticed taillights shining from an area where he knew there was a pond. Driving closer, he discovered a four-door sedan sinking with three elderly occupants inside.

As luck would have it, Detective Ortiz is second in command of the Buffalo Police Underwater Recovery Team (URT) and had his dive gear in his vehicle. After calling 911 for assistance, he suited up, entered the water, and began a successful rescue all three individuals.

Corporal Daniel Rose and Officer David Chapman, Warren Police Department

WARNING: VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED

On Aug. 30, 2022, Corporal Daniel Rose and Officer David Chapman of the Warren Police Department in Michigan were responding to a call for service when they spotted an 8-year-old boy being electrocuted by a downed power line.

Without hesitation, the officers rushed to pull the child away from the active wire and transported him to the hospital in their patrol car. Their quick actions and willingness to risk their own safety saved an innocent life.

Officer Gabe Beyer, Tallahassee Police Department

On April 10, 2024, Officer Gabe Beyer of the Tallahassee Police Department in Florida responded to a distress call from a wooded encampment, where three people were trapped inside a tent being swept away by floodwaters during a severe Gulf Coast storm.

Without hesitation, Officer Beyer entered the floodwaters and swam 30 yards in full uniform to reach the trapped individuals. His quick thinking and bravery ensured all three were rescued and brought to safety.

Honoring Heroism at Axon Week 2025

Each of these finalists embodies what it means to be a public servant. Their selfless actions and unwavering commitment to their communities serve as a powerful reminder of the bravery and dedication displayed by first responders every day.

Which of these 14 incredible finalists will take home a 2025 Axon RISE Award? The winners will be announced live on stage at Axon Week 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona, from April 22–25. Join us to celebrate their achievements and experience the latest advancements in public safety technology firsthand.

Secure your tickets today at axonweek.com.