There’s still time to nominate the Officers, Agencies and Community organizations that have made an impact in your communities! Axon’s RISE Awards deadline has been extended through September 1st.

To nominate, please visit: www.axon.com/riseawards

Check out some inspiring submissions below:

RISE Officer:

Deputy Charles Williams
Deputy Charles Williams from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office was responding to a mental health-related call with an agitated subject. When he thought the subject was going to comply, the subject suddenly turned and thrust a screwdriver into the deputy's neck. This would have merited a use of lethal force, and the deputy had his hand on his gun, but he quickly decided to de-escalate the situation by deploying a TASER energy weapon. The subject is still alive today due to the deputy's quick thinking and decision to use a TASER.

RISE Agency:

Coral Springs Police Department
For 5 out of the last six years, (2020 programming was cancelled due to Covid), the Coral Springs Police Department has run a Summer Youth Program for underserved elementary-age students. Each summer, three days a week for six weeks, Coral Springs School Resource Officers provide activities, sports, mentoring and food for approximately 110 campers. Teens are also provided with the opportunity to volunteer and build community service hours before graduation. Hearing and eye exams are administered to students, some of whom have never been evaluated before.

Youth engage with officers in a nurturing environment that builds bridges in underserved communities. Through these relationships, Coral Springs PD identifies families in need of additional services throughout the year. These families receive Thanksgiving Baskets and Shop With A Cop opportunities. Every camper leaves at the end of the summer with uniforms and a backpack of school supplies for the upcoming year.

RISE Community:

Out On Patrol
Out On Patrol is a peer support organization for 2SLGBTQ+ law enforcement members focused on community outreach, charitable work and education in the Metro Vancouver area.

For many Out On Patrol members, working in law enforcement is mentally and emotionally draining. Strong peer support networks are key to mental resilience and stress relief. Out On Patrol is not only dedicated to supporting members and providing peer support networks, but also uses their unique position as part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community to build strong, positive, inclusive connections between law enforcement and the greater queer community.

There have been great strides over the years to bridge the gap between the 2SLGBTQ+ community and law enforcement. Out On Patrol recognizes there is still work to be done and is proud to host events that provide the community a positive and welcoming space to interact with 2SLGBTQ+ law enforcement members.

To combat bullying and advocate for 2SLGBTQ+ rights, Out On Patrol is planning educational presentations for elementary and secondary schools. These presentations will provide a platform for members to act as positive role models for youth interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement.


To see more submissions, visit the gallery page at www.axon.com/riseawards

The RISE Award categories:

• The RISE Officer award honors three officers who have saved a life or shown exemplary performance in the field. 
  
• The RISE Agency award recognizes a department for making great strides in building up their community. 
  
• The RISE Community award honors a community program working hand in hand with law enforcement to benefit their local community.
  

Nominations will be accepted through September 1st, followed by community voting from September 2nd through September 17th. A panel of judges will review the top 10 finalists in each category and select the winners.