This week, public safety professionals from across the globe convened in Miami Beach, Florida for Axon Week 2024, Axon’s premier annual event that brings together Axon Accelerate, the world’s foremost public safety technology conference, and TASERCON, a training conference focused on the whole officer. Axon Week was the host location for the 2024 Axon Awards Ceremony.
At Axon, we're incredibly proud to honor the heroic first responders who make a difference in the world, each and every day. 10 years ago, we created the Axon Awards program to shine a light on the often overlooked stories of those individuals who have demonstrated excellence in the field of public safety. The recipients of our 2024 Awards embody the remarkable bravery and heroism exemplified by countless public safety professionals. Their stories serve as a source of inspiration for us at Axon, reinforcing our commitment to our ambitious Moonshot goal: reducing gun-related deaths between police and the public by 50% over the next decade. In order to achieve this moonshot goal, we continue to rely on community partnership, innovation, training and recognizing those who are committed to protecting and preserving life.
This year’s awards ceremony was hosted by Rob Riggle, actor/comedian and Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) in the US Marines, and Mike Wagers, SVP of Strategic Initiatives at Axon. The ceremony honored the winners for each of the following Axon Awards:
2024 RISE AWARDS
The RISE Awards celebrate and reward first responders who go above and beyond the call of duty. This year, five individuals were awarded the prestigious award:
Officer Ed Butterworth, Norristown PD
Agent Natalie Garnsey, Chula Vista PD
Officer Donald Truong, Chula Vista PD
Officer Daniel Hernandez, Chula Vista PD
Lieutenant Casey Cox, Prairie du Chien PD
2024 JACK COVER “SAVE OF THE YEAR”
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. Each year, one public safety professional who has earned the Jack Cover Medal of Heroism story is bestowed with the title: “Save of the Year.”
Corporal Tommy Rauch received the 2024 “Save of the Year” for his actions during safely de-escalating an armed felon in a crowded mall. Thanks to Corporal Rauch’s quick decision-making and choice to use less-lethal force, no parties were injured in what could have been a deadly encounter.
2024 VISIONARY LEADERSHIP AWARD
The Visionary Leadership Award was inspired by Dr. Richard Carmona, and recognizes one public safety leader annually who has positively impacted their agency or community through thoughtful leadership.
Sheriff Walter McNeil of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office was presented with the 2024 Visionary Leadership Award for his nearly five decades of selfless service to the Florida community. Sheriff McNeil's forward-thinking approach to public safety, and his commitment to 21st-century policing, has driven positive change within his department and serves as an inspiration to law enforcement leaders nationwide.
A COMMITMENT TO CELEBRATING SERVICE
At Axon, we are committed to celebrating those individuals who selflessly work to make the world a safer place. The Axon Awards Program is honored to tell the stories of those committed to improving the future of public safety. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the Axon Awards program, please visit axon.com/awards.