IACP/Axon Police Officer of the Year Award Makes History in 2024

A North Dakota police sergeant was among four honored as the 2024 International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)/Axon Police Officer of the Year on Monday for their heroic efforts in ending shooting rampages in separate incidents.

Fargo Police Sgt. Zachary Robinson; Allen, Texas, Police Officer Dominique Akins; and Nashville, Tennessee, Det. Michael Collazo and Officer Rex Engelebert received the award during IACP's annual conference in Boston. Because of the quality of the nominations, the organization selected all four nominees for the honor, the first time that has happened in the award's history.

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The IACP/Axon Police Officer of the Year Award honors police and law enforcement officers and agents for outstanding work in the line of duty, in many cases putting themselves at risk to protect the public and save lives. Here's a look at why the four officers received the distinction, according to the IACP:

Fargo Sgt. Zachary Robinson

Robinson was part of a July 14, 2023, response to a two-vehicle crash, but the call erupted into a deadly shoot when a heavily armed gunman opened fire. Two officers and a bystander were shot and killed before Robinson could return fire, fatally shooting the gunman and ending a potential shooting spree.

“I am extremely honored and humbled to receive this award,” Robinson said in a statement. “My actions on July 14 are a credit to The Fargo Police Department, which provides the highest caliber training to its officers and gives them the tools they need to respond to critical incidents and all other emergencies.”

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In August 2024, Robinson was promoted to sergeant.

“There is no question that Zach’s bravery during the critical incident of July 14 is one of the most outstanding acts of heroism in Fargo’s history," Chief Dave Zibolski said in a statement. "I am tremendously proud that IACP and Axon have chosen to recognize him with this prestigious honor. This is a proud moment for our entire department."

Robinson was uninjured in the incident. One officer was killed, and two were injured in the shooting. Two civilians also were injured.

Allen Police Officer Dominique Akins

Akins was wrapping up a call at an outlet mall on May 6, 2023, when he heard gunshots ring out. He radioed dispatch, grabbed the rifle from his cruiser and ran toward the danger.

As he reached the middle of the mall, Akins witnessed several people—including young children—shot by the suspect and confronted him from over 90 yards away. The officer fired three shots, killing the man.

The ensuing investigation of the shooting found that the suspect was carrying three more guns and over 500 rounds, as well as wearing a ballistic vest. Over 2,000 rounds of ammunition and more firearms also were found in his vehicle.

Eight people—including a 3-year-old boy—were killed, and seven others were injured in the shooting.

Nashville Police Det. Michael Collazo and Officer Rex Engelbert

Collazo and Englebert were among the officers who responded to a mass shooting at an elementary school on March 27, 2023. A heavily armed man had shot his way through a glass door of the building before killing three students, the principal, a custodian and a substitute teacher.

As police cleared first-floor classrooms while searching for the gunman, they heard shots on the upper floor and confronted the shooter in front of a large set of windows. An exchange of gunfire ensued, and Collazo and Englebert fatally shot the gunman.

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Six people were killed in the incident, and "it is clear that this tragedy would have been much worse if not for the heroic actions of Detective Collazo and Officer Engelbert," the IACP stated.