We’ve received incredible RISE stories featuring public safety heroes across the nation, including Officers, Agencies and Community organizations that have made an impact in their communities. Now, it’s time to vote for your favorite stories!

Now through March 25, vote once a day for your favorite nominees. The top 10 finalists in each category will be reviewed by a panel of judges who will select the final winners!

To see all RISE submissions, visit axon.com/riseawards

Check out some inspiring submissions below: 

RISE Officer: Ofc. David Baker- Cookeville Police Department, Cookeville, TN

Just after midnight on September 27, 2021, officers responded to a motor vehicle crash. Ofc. David Baker was the first officer to arrive on-scene. Ofc. Baker quickly realized that one of the vehicles was on fire. He retrieved his department-issued fire extinguisher from the cargo area of his patrol vehicle and attempted to put out the fire. While Ofc. Baker was combatting the flames, onsite EMS informed him that the driver was still inside the vehicle. Ofc. Baker used a second fire extinguisher to hold back the flames on the driver side of the vehicle while EMTs opened the driver’s door. As the door opened, the driver-side front tire exploded as Ofc. Baker used his department-issued seatbelt tool to cut the driver’s seatbelt and pulled the unconscious driver out of the burning vehicle to safety. Ofc. Baker showed great bravery by putting his own safety aside as he courageously took action to help save the life of the driver.

Vote and view the full story HERE

RISE Agency: Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office - Second Chance Program, Ballston Spa, NY

The Saratoga County Sheriff's Office initiated its “Second Chance” program on August 9, 2017, as part of a new strategy to combat the opioid epidemic. They saw a critical need to build and repair the relationship between police and those suffering from addiction. The Second Chance program has sheriff’s deputies personally follow-up with survivors of every overdose call received by the department. This encourages communication, support, empathy and de-stigmatization of substance use disorders within the Saratoga County community.

One of the unexpected results of the Second Chance program was the number of referrals made to family members or loved ones of overdose survivors. As involvement in the recovery community grew, the availability of resources expanded as well. Referrals to peer support, community outreach centers and family support navigators became commonplace.

Vote and view the full story HERE

RISE Community: The Detective Brian “Smiles” Simonsen Memorial Foundation - Hampton Bays, NY

After Detective Simonsen (aka "Smiles") was tragically killed in the line of duty in 2019, the Simonsen Foundation was formed with the purpose of uplifting the community and rebuilding relationships with law enforcement. Since its inception, the foundation has provided multiple K9 ballistic vests, donated $10,000 to the LI marine aquarium, awarded five $5000 scholarships and donated over $15,000 to the church school in queens where Detective Simonsen’s memorial masses are held. The organization hosts a family fun day in Richmond Hill for the community and police to come and get to know each other and share smiles. They have organized Shop with a K9 for the last two years to provided underprivileged children with presents during the holidays. They have partnered with other agencies and organizations including the NYPD, Christopher’s Voice for Autism Awareness and Warrior Ranch, which assists wounded veterans suffering from PTSD.

Vote and view the full story HERE

As a reminder, the RISE Awards seeks to recognize the public safety heroes and community partners among us:

• The RISE Officer award honors three officers who have saved a life or shown exemplary performance in the field. 
  3 Officer winners will receive an all-expense paid trip to Accelerate in Phoenix, Arizona 

• The RISE Agency award recognizes a department for making great strides in building up their community. 
  1 Agency winner will receive a $7,500 grant for their police foundation, police nonprofit or community program

• The RISE Community award honors a community program working hand in hand with law enforcement to benefit their local community.
  1 Community winner will receive a $7,500 grant for program funding