Description

The lifetime achievement award recognizes an individual who has dedicated years to the tactical community. This award draws a distinct line between those individuals that have been proficient and productive team members and those individuals that made a profound impact on our industry. That impact should transcend the nominee’s own team, leaving a mark on the SWAT community as a whole. In addition, candidates for this award should demonstrate selflessness and dedication that is more reflective of a “calling” than a simple assignment. A lifetime achievement award recipient’s legacy should be one of honor, commitment, valor, and service.

Past Recipients and Nominees

• 2021 Jeff Herr

Description

The meritorious service award recognizes an individual who distinguishes themselves by providing exceptional service in the performance of his/her duties. This honor may be awarded for either sustained, long-term, noteworthy achievement or a single significant event.

Past Nominees and Recipients

• 2021 Joshua Siefert
• 2021 Joseph Schaefbauer
• 2021 Tom Sarych
• 2021 Dave Rolland
• 2021 Omar Maklad
• 2021 Mark Hoffman
• 2021 Josh Helgeson
• 2021 Paul Hagen
• 2021 Bill Dolentz

Description

This citation recognizes a tactical unit whose members distinguished themselves through acts of bravery during a tactical operation. This group of SWAT officers willingly put themselves into extreme danger, knowing their own lives may be at risk, to resolve a situation few others could. This honor may be awarded to a team or a subset of a team.

Description

The commander of the year award recognizes an individual who has led his or her team through especially challenging circumstances. A leader that greatly gives, putting the needs of the team above his/her own. The recipient of this award has demonstrated the moral courage to make decisions needed to successfully resolve tactical operations and manage the administrative duties of a team commander.

Past Nominees and Recipients

• 2021 Tim Salto and Mike Lee
• 2020 Adam Tschida

Description

The operator/team leader of the year award recognizes an individual who willingly steps into harm’s way with the utmost competency and professionalism. This individual is counted on by his/her team as a steady and reliable performer. This honor may be awarded for either continued excellence or a noteworthy single event in which the recipient demonstrated outstanding courage, determination, and resolve.

• 2019 Ben Harty

Description

The negotiator of the year award recognizes an individual who demonstrates exceptional communication skills under the most stressful of circumstances. A person that displays a level of professionalism and the empathy needed to resolve volatile, life-threatening situations. This honor may be awarded for either continued excellence or a single event in which the recipient performed above and beyond his/her duty.

Description

This award is presented to the person whose contributions result in the significant advancement of Tactical Emergency Medical Support (TEMS). These contributions include but are not limited to research and academic endeavors, direct medical care and other clinical activities, and system advancement.

Description

The team of the year award recognizes a tactical team that embodies the best of the special operations industry. A team that has shown a dedication to one another, to their community, and to their craft. Recipients of this award are well-led, well-trained, and carry themselves with a level of professionalism that draws admiration from their peers. The team of the year should serve as a model or benchmark for which other teams strive.

The trainer of the year award recognizes an individual who has made those around him/her better by researching, developing and implementing relevant training.  The recipient of this award has an exceptional understanding of contemporary policy issues, the evolution of tactics, and advancements in technology.  The trainer of the year utilizes his/her vast knowledge to prepare others for challenging tasks that undoubtedly, lie ahead.