A Call for Nominations: 2023 NRA LE Officer of the Year

The Law Enforcement Division of the National Rifle Association of America is currently welcoming nominations for the 2023 NRA Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award.

Incepted in 1993, this award seeks to acknowledge and honor a law enforcement officer who has demonstrated an outstanding act or service. Nominations can be submitted under one of three categories: valor, public service, or dedication to the principles of our constitutional heritage.

The nomination window closes on November 15th of this year.

“For six decades and counting, the NRA has steadfastly supported the law enforcement community through programs aimed at sustaining readiness via training and competition, while simultaneously honoring those officers who exceed the demands of duty,” expressed NRA President Charles L. Cotton. “Through the NRA Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award, NRA members express our gratitude to the courageous individuals who safeguard our streets and communities.”

The officer selected for this prestigious award will be honored at an upcoming NRA Board of Directors meeting, receive a GLOCK firearm engraved in their honor, and be featured in the NRA Official Journals. For more details about the NRA Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award and to access the nomination form, please visit https://awards.nra.org/awards/nra-officer-of-the-year-award/.

Earlier this year, during the 152nd NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits held in Indianapolis, Indiana, Deputy Mark Johns of the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office was celebrated as the 2022 NRA Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. In August 2022, Deputy Johns, alongside other deputies, was serving a court order at a residence when, without warning, the subject began firing rifle rounds through the door. Despite being critically injured during the ensuing exchange of fire, Deputy Johns managed to pull an injured colleague to safety, provide medical aid, and continue engaging the suspect, ultimately contributing to the suspect’s apprehension.

Deputy Johns exhibited immense bravery and poise under pressure, continuing to engage the suspect to safeguard his fellow deputies and himself, even after sustaining severe injuries. His actions reflect highly on his department, the community he serves, and align with the loftiest

standards of law enforcement. The NRA and its members were honored to recognize Deputy Johns as the 2022 NRA Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.

To delve into Deputy Johns’ heroic actions and to explore the stories of past recipients of the NRA Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award, please visit https://awards.nra.org/awards/nra-officer-of-the-year-award/.

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