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Honor the heroes in your ranks
On April 20, 2024, Officer Ali Winterbauer responded to a call for service and encountered a man in crisis armed with a large butcher’s knife. Faced with imminent danger, Officer Winterbauer made a decision that saved multiple lives. She quickly deployed her TASER energy weapon, de-escalating the situation before the individual in crisis hurt himself or the responding officers. Her actions earned her the Jack Cover Medal of Heroism, and her story was chosen as the 2025 Jack Cover "Save of the Year."
2025 Axon Awards: Jack Cover "Save of the Year" Award Winner — Officer Ali Winterbauer
2025 Axon Awards: Jack Cover "Save of the Year" Award Winner — Officer Ali Winterbauer
Every day, public safety professionals like Officer Winterbauer protect their communities with bravery and compassion. These stories of heroism and service deserve to be told. The 2026 Axon Awards will celebrate the officers, agencies and community partners who work tirelessly to protect life in their communities and beyond.
The 2026 Axon Awards
The 2026 Axon Awards program consists of four award categories that celebrate the individuals and agencies who are reshaping public safety through courage, compassion and innovation:
Jack Cover Medal of Heroism
Named in honor of the inventor of the TASER energy weapon, the Jack Cover Medal of Heroism is given out on an ongoing basis to recognize public safety professionals who use a TASER energy weapon to save a life through less-lethal force. One story of de-escalation will be selected as the Jack Cover “Save of the Year,” and that medal winner will be honored onstage at the 2026 Axon Awards.
RISE Awards
The RISE Awards celebrate public safety professionals whose everyday actions remind us what it means to protect, serve, and lead with humanity. In 2026, three honorees will be recognized:
Sworn Officers of the Year (2): Recognizes law enforcement officers who demonstrated exceptional courage, ingenuity, or leadership in the line of duty.
Professional Staff Member of the Year (1): Recognizes a non-sworn public safety professional, such as a dispatcher, RTCC analyst, or digital evidence specialist, whose service and excellence set a new standard in advancing safety and trust.
Visionary Leadership Award
The Dr. Richard Carmona Visionary Leadership Award recognizes one public safety leader annually who has made a significant positive impact on their agency or community through vision, deep integrity and leadership.
Real-Time Response (New)
Public safety today requires seamless coordination across tools, teams and time. The Real-Time Response Award honors agencies and city leaders using real-time, connected technology to create systems that respond smarter, act faster, and serve people better.
The Axon Awards program helps us reflect on the humanity at the heart of public safety. These awards provide a designated time and space to honor the individuals and organizations who act with courage when it matters most.
Nominations for the 2026 Axon Awards are open through December 31, 2025. Nominate a hero near you at axon.com/awards.