Heroes Among Us: Honoring the 2024 IACP/Axon Police Officers of the Year
Heroes Among Us: Honoring the 2024 IACP/Axon Police Officers of the Year
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Each day, across countless cities and communities, police officers uphold their oath to protect, serve and demonstrate unwavering resilience and courage. For some, this calls for heroic actions in the face of real danger and unimaginable risk.
The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)/Axon Officer of the Year Award honors those who embody the highest standards of courage and dedication in law enforcement. At Axon, we are proud to stand alongside IACP in this nearly year-long process that brings to life the stories of officers who exemplify the bravery and dedication at the heart of law enforcement. This year, four nominees stood out and were recognized for their heroism, resilience and selflessness.
2024 IACP/Axon
Police officers of the year
2024 IACP/Axon
Police officers of the year
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Officer Zachary Robinson
Fargo Police Department
In a shocking ambush, a heavily armed suspect opened fire on Fargo police officers responding to a routine crash scene. Officer Zachary Robinson, the last officer standing, fought valiantly, protecting his downed fellow officers and an injured civilian and eventually ended the threat. Investigators later discovered the suspect had multiple weapons, thousands of rounds and explosive materials intended for a larger assault. Tragically, while one officer lost his life, Robinson’s quick response stopped what could have been an even greater tragedy for Fargo.
Officer Dominique Akins
Allen Police Department
When a gunman opened fire in an Allen shopping center, Officer Dominique Akins did not hesitate, running toward the sound of gunfire. Despite the risk to his own life, Akins moved into a visible position, firing three rounds to stop the suspect. Within moments, he had neutralized the threat, preventing further loss of life. In just four minutes, the gunman had taken eight lives and injured several others, but Akins’s response saved countless more, highlighting his quick thinking and bravery under fire.
Detective Michael Collazo and Officer Rex Engelbert
Metropolitan Nashville Police Department
When an armed individual breached Covenant School in Nashville, tragically killing three students and three staff members, Detective Michael Collazo and Officer Rex Engelbert were among the first responders on scene. As part of a team of officers, together they moved methodically toward the sound of gunfire, finding and neutralizing the attacker and preventing further loss of life. Their courageous actions in the face of a mass shooting exemplify teamwork, bravery, and commitment to protecting the most vulnerable.
Detective Michael Collazo and Officer Rex Engelbert
Metropolitan Nashville Police Department
When an armed individual breached Covenant School in Nashville, tragically killing three students and three staff members, Detective Michael Collazo and Officer Rex Engelbert were among the first responders on scene. As part of a team of officers, together they moved methodically toward the sound of gunfire, finding and neutralizing the attacker and preventing further loss of life. Their courageous actions in the face of a mass shooting exemplify teamwork, bravery, and commitment to protecting the most vulnerable.
Officer Zachary Robinson
Fargo Police Department
In a shocking ambush, a heavily armed suspect opened fire on Fargo police officers responding to a routine crash scene. Officer Zachary Robinson, the last officer standing, fought valiantly, protecting his downed fellow officers and an injured civilian and eventually ended the threat. Investigators later discovered the suspect had multiple weapons, thousands of rounds and explosive materials intended for a larger assault. Tragically, while one officer lost his life, Robinson’s quick response stopped what could have been an even greater tragedy for Fargo.
Officer Dominique Akins
Allen Police Department
When a gunman opened fire in an Allen shopping center, Officer Dominique Akins did not hesitate, running toward the sound of gunfire. Despite the risk to his own life, Akins moved into a visible position, firing three rounds to stop the suspect. Within moments, he had neutralized the threat, preventing further loss of life. In just four minutes, the gunman had taken eight lives and injured several others, but Akins’s response saved countless more, highlighting his quick thinking and bravery under fire.
Detective Michael Collazo and Officer Rex Engelbert
Metropolitan Nashville Police Department
When an armed individual breached Covenant School in Nashville, tragically killing three students and three staff members, Detective Michael Collazo and Officer Rex Engelbert were among the first responders on scene. As part of a team of officers, together they moved methodically toward the sound of gunfire, finding and neutralizing the attacker and preventing further loss of life. Their courageous actions in the face of a mass shooting exemplify teamwork, bravery, and commitment to protecting the most vulnerable.
Detective Michael Collazo and Officer Rex Engelbert
Metropolitan Nashville Police Department
When an armed individual breached Covenant School in Nashville, tragically killing three students and three staff members, Detective Michael Collazo and Officer Rex Engelbert were among the first responders on scene. As part of a team of officers, together they moved methodically toward the sound of gunfire, finding and neutralizing the attacker and preventing further loss of life. Their courageous actions in the face of a mass shooting exemplify teamwork, bravery, and commitment to protecting the most vulnerable.
Each officer honored represents a different path toward the same goal: keeping communities safe while exemplifying the highest standards of professionalism and going beyond the call of duty. From de-escalating volatile situations to making life-saving decisions in mere seconds, these officers embody values that we at Axon also champion through our products and mission.
Reflecting on this year’s honorees, Axon's SVP, Americas, Vishal Dhir, shared, “I was proud to represent Axon in presenting the IACP/Axon Police Officer of the Year Award. Heroism, bravery, and selflessness only begin to describe the recipients of this year’s award. It was a humbling experience to meet them and thank them for how they protected their communities as these terrible events were unfolding.” We congratulate Officer Dominique Akins, Officer Zachary Robinson and the team of Detective Collazo and Officer Engelbert. Your courage and commitment inspire all of us at Axon. Together with IACP, we are proud to recognize your achievements and honor your service.