In an instant, an ordinary shift can become a moment when someone’s life depends on an officer’s next decision. The four finalists for the 2026 IACP/Axon Police Officer of the Year Award faced fire, gunfire and urgent threats to the people around them. Each responded with courage, clear judgment and a commitment to protecting others.
Every year, Axon partners with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) for the Police Officer of the Year award to recognize the incredible stories of bravery from law enforcement professionals. This year, IACP and Axon are proud to celebrate four acts of heroism from officers across the country as finalists for this commendation.
On his way back to the station after completing a call, Officer Dakota Berry came upon a multi-vehicle collision on the interstate. One car was engulfed in flames, and its trapped driver was sounding the horn for help. Officer Berry broke the driver-side window and pulled her from the vehicle, working through thick smoke and intense heat. When he saw that the driver’s hair and clothing were on fire, he used his bare hands to extinguish the flames, then found a fire extinguisher to put out the remaining fire. Officer Berry’s swift intervention, despite suffering injuries of his own, saved the trapped driver’s life.
Officer Dakota Berry, Goodyear Police Department, Arizona
Officer Dakota Berry, Goodyear Police Department, Arizona
During a routine traffic stop, Officer Duran and her partner were targeted by an armed suspect who fled and opened fire, grazing the back of her head. She used her patrol vehicle to disrupt the attack and returned fire, striking the suspect. He re-entered his vehicle and fled, initiating a second pursuit that ended with a crash and his arrest.
Once the suspect was in custody, Officer Duran immediately rendered aid. Despite her own injury, she placed him in the recovery position while awaiting EMS. By stopping the suspect’s attack, Officer Duran prevented further violence and protected both fellow officers and the public.
Officer Ilse Martinez Duran, Houston METRO Police Department, Texas
Officer Ilse Martinez Duran, Houston METRO Police Department, Texas
Inspector Ryan Kelly arrived at Annunciation Church within minutes of reports of an active shooter. With the suspect’s location initially unknown, he went to the aid of frightened survivors and injured victims, trying to locate people who needed help and guiding them to safety. Once the threat was neutralized, he quickly pivoted to emergency medical care.
Drawing on his paramedic training, Inspector Kelly triaged victims, directed ambulatory individuals to safety, and prioritized those with critical injuries. His rapid triage ensured that critically injured victims received urgent medical care that ultimately saved lives.
Inspector Ryan Kelly, Minneapolis Police Department, Minnesota
Inspector Ryan Kelly, Minneapolis Police Department, Minnesota
Officer Nicole Amatore arrived at the scene of an active armed confrontation where three officers had already been shot. Immediately coming under fire herself, she took cover behind a tree and returned fire, striking the suspect and neutralizing the immediate threat. Investigators later confirmed that a round fired by the suspect had struck the tree she used for protection.
Even as the gunfire subsided, Officer Amatore continued managing the crisis, relaying the suspect’s location and condition over the radio while calling for urgent medical help for the wounded officers. Her clear, timely communication allowed responding units to locate and assist her colleagues, secure the suspect, and protect the public from further danger.
Officer Nicole Amatore, Rochester Police Department, New York
Officer Nicole Amatore, Rochester Police Department, New York
The four finalists represent extraordinary acts of service. For the first time, IACP selected two recipients for the award: Inspector Ryan Kelly and Officer Ilse Martinez Duran.
We are honored to recognize Inspector Kelly, Officer Duran, Officer Berry, and Officer Amatore. Their stories reflect not only the courage to move toward danger in moments of crisis, but also the resolve to protect life and serve others when every second counts.
2026 Winner Announced
2026 Winner Announced