Giving thanks: The stories behind the five IACP/AXON Police of the Year finalists
Nov 29, 2022
This past week, many families and friends across the United States gathered and gave thanks for the joys in their lives. We want to keep this season of gratitude going by sharing a few stories from some of the fine folks who devote their lives to protecting and serving our communities all year long.
The IACP/AXON Police Officer of the Year award honors a selection of heroes who work tirelessly to keep their communities safe. These individuals represent the best of the best, and truly embody Axon's mission to Protect Life. In honor of Thanksgiving, let’s take a look at five of the countless members of public safety for whom we are grateful. Below are the stories of this year’s International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)/Axon Police Officer of the Year finalists.
Officer Thadeau Holloway Dayton, OH Police Department - IACP/Axon Police Officer of the Year
In September 2021, Officer Thadeau Holloway of the Dayton Police Department (OH) was responding to a fraud complaint. Holloway identified the subject outside of his home and approached on foot. The individual quickly turned physically violent. Ofc Holloway attempted to subdue the individual using a TASER energy weapon, but was unsuccessful. The subject pulled a firearm on Ofc Holloway and fired, shooting Ofc Holloway in the head. Ofc Holloway returned fire, striking the suspect and stopping the threat. Severely wounded, Ofc Holloway continued to monitor the suspect until the scene could be secured.
Ofc Holloway’s quick and brave actions resulted in the arrest of the subject. For his bravery and commitment to protecting the safety of the public in the face of personal danger, Ofc Holloway was awarded the IACP/AXON Police of the Year award.
Officer Thadeau Holloway Dayton, OH Police Department - IACP/Axon Police Officer of the Year
In September 2021, Officer Thadeau Holloway of the Dayton Police Department (OH) was responding to a fraud complaint. Holloway identified the subject outside of his home and approached on foot. The individual quickly turned physically violent. Ofc Holloway attempted to subdue the individual using a TASER energy weapon, but was unsuccessful. The subject pulled a firearm on Ofc Holloway and fired, shooting Ofc Holloway in the head. Ofc Holloway returned fire, striking the suspect and stopping the threat. Severely wounded, Ofc Holloway continued to monitor the suspect until the scene could be secured.
Ofc Holloway’s quick and brave actions resulted in the arrest of the subject. For his bravery and commitment to protecting the safety of the public in the face of personal danger, Ofc Holloway was awarded the IACP/AXON Police of the Year award.
Sergeant Alex Huntley Furnas County, NE Sheriffs Department - IACP/Axon Finalist
In the winter of 2019, Sergeant Alex Huntley of the Furnas County Sheriffs Department (NE), responded to a call of suspected human trafficking. Sgt Huntley quickly realized the call was not only credible, but required a much larger investigation. Sgt. Huntley quickly brought together a group of experts from across Nebraska law enforcement, and together, the team uncovered over three decades of child and sexual abuse. Sgt. Huntley’s leadership led to 20 arrests, including the arrest of the leader of the criminal enterprise.
Sgt Huntley’s commitment to this investigation brought closure to countless victims and their families, and removed numerous violent felons from the streets. Sgt Huntley looked beyond the obvious to solve this complex investigation and was recognized as a finalist of the IACP/AXON Police Officer of the Year award.
Sergeant Alex Huntley Furnas County, NE Sheriffs Department - IACP/Axon Finalist
In the winter of 2019, Sergeant Alex Huntley of the Furnas County Sheriffs Department (NE), responded to a call of suspected human trafficking. Sgt Huntley quickly realized the call was not only credible, but required a much larger investigation. Sgt. Huntley quickly brought together a group of experts from across Nebraska law enforcement, and together, the team uncovered over three decades of child and sexual abuse. Sgt. Huntley’s leadership led to 20 arrests, including the arrest of the leader of the criminal enterprise.
Sgt Huntley’s commitment to this investigation brought closure to countless victims and their families, and removed numerous violent felons from the streets. Sgt Huntley looked beyond the obvious to solve this complex investigation and was recognized as a finalist of the IACP/AXON Police Officer of the Year award.
Detective Gregory Moore Dekalb County, GA Police Department - IACP/Axon Finalist
In July 2021, Detective Gregory Moore of the Dekalb County Police Department (GA) was assigned to a missing persons case. Det Moore had little evidence to go off of and scoured cell phone records to identify a person of interest. Moore then conducted a complex investigation and uncovered that the missing person had been murdered.
Det Moore pursued countless leads and discovered that that the person of interest identified from the phone records was connected to multiple missing persons or murder cases. Det. Moore’s relentless pursuit led to the positive identification and arrest of a serial murderer. For his work, Det Moore was chosen as a finalist for the IACP/AXON Police of the Year award.
Detective Gregory Moore Dekalb County, GA Police Department - IACP/Axon Finalist
In July 2021, Detective Gregory Moore of the Dekalb County Police Department (GA) was assigned to a missing persons case. Det Moore had little evidence to go off of and scoured cell phone records to identify a person of interest. Moore then conducted a complex investigation and uncovered that the missing person had been murdered.
Det Moore pursued countless leads and discovered that that the person of interest identified from the phone records was connected to multiple missing persons or murder cases. Det. Moore’s relentless pursuit led to the positive identification and arrest of a serial murderer. For his work, Det Moore was chosen as a finalist for the IACP/AXON Police of the Year award.
Officer Christopher McCain
Sergeant Samuel Cleveland
Officer Christopher McCain
Sergeant Samuel Cleveland
Sr. OFC. Christopher McCain and Sgt. Samuel Cleveland of the Houston, Tx Police Department - IACP/Axon Finalist
In July 2021, Sr Officer Christopher McCain and Sergeant Samuel Cleveland of the Houston Police Department (TX) responded to a disturbance on the third floor of an apartment complex. Sgt Cleveland initiated contact with the subject at the door of the apartment complex. As the discussion evolved, the suspect shifted his stance, revealing a firearm in his possession. Sgt Cleveland lunged to disarm the suspect. The subject deployed his firearm, striking Sgt Cleveland several times. Sr Ofc McCain was able to grab the arm of the subject and disarm the individual safely. Upon securing the subject, Sr Ofc McCain began trauma care for Sgt Cleveland while radioing for back up and emergency aid.
Both Sgt. Cleveland and Sr. Ofc. McCain acted bravely in moments of chaos to rapidly de-escalate a violent situation. For their teamwork and commitment to mitigating a violent situation, both officers were selected as finalists of the IACP/AXON Police of the Year award.
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These stories are just a few examples of the countless acts of selflessness and bravery we are grateful for this season. Be it in the line of duty, or going the extra mile for their communities, officers and agencies across the country step up every single day to keep the civilians around them safe and secure.
Many public safety families had empty seats at their Thanksgiving tables. Some of their loved ones were selflessly on the clock serving their communities during the holiday. Others paid the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe. To each and every one of these heroes, we thank you for your service and we thank your loved ones for their sacrifices. Please know your sacrifices do not go unnoticed. Thank you for all you do. We are more than grateful.
We hope these stories inspire all of you, as much as they have inspired and moved us — thank you to the brave officers who serve and protect every day.