DEC 2022. Blues Vol 38 No. 12

Holloway showed

Holloway showed “remarkable” calmness and professionalism in the moments following the shooting. In October 2022, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost recognized the significant contributions of several peace officers, including Officer Holloway, who was selected to receive the Valor Award. “There are officers all over Ohio who heroically serve our communities every day and are the backbone of the civil society we all enjoy,” Yost said. “The officers being honored represent the best of those heroes, and I am proud of their dedication to protecting the unprotected.” The scar on the left side of Officer Holloway’s head is a testament to his bravery and a reminder of the fine line between life and death. In recognition of Officer Holloway’s bravery, the National Association of Police Organizations also honored the nine-year veteran with the TOP COPS award and the Citizens Choice award. Each year since 1994 NAPO has presented the TOP COPS Awards® Ceremony. The purpose of the TOP COPS Awards® is to educate the American public about our nation’s heroes and to pay tribute to law enforcement officers in federal, state, county, tribal and local agencies from across the country for actions above and beyond the call of duty during the preceding year. Our TOP COPS are nominated by fellow officers. An independent Awards Selection Committee comprised of national law enforcement representatives select, from hundreds of nominations, one TOP COP case from each of the 50 States and U.S. territories. Officers from the top ten cases are selected as our TOP COPS Award® Winners. In each remaining state, one case has been selected for which the officer(s) will receive an Honorable Mention award. International Association of Chiefs of Police/2022 Axon Officer of the Year During the 2022 annual IACP conference in Dallas, Texas, Officer Holloway was selected for the prestigious IACP/Axon Police Officer of the Year Award for exceptional achievement. According to the IACP website, every day, police officers perform selfless acts in their commitment to public service and community safety. Acknowledging these acts formally provides the opportunity to showcase exceptional work of the profession and provides the ability to emulate these everyday achievements. The IACP/ Axon Police Officer of the Year Award elevates the recognition of these acts to the global stage thereby impacting the profession as a whole by highlighting those who exemplify selflessness, empathy, and strength of character. It is an unparalleled award experience for the officer to share with their family and their department. It also provides an unmatched professional development opportunity. The IACP/ Axon Police Officer of the Year Award represents the best of the police profession. IACP noted the following as the basis for selection for this prestigious award. On September 21, 2021, Officer Thadeu Holloway of the Dayton Police Department, Ohio, was investigating a fraud complaint. He located a person matching the description of the suspect and approached him on foot. As Officer Holloway approached, the suspect became violent, rapidly escalating from physical force to deadly force in his attacks and shooting Officer Holloway in the head. Officer Holloway transitioned from his electronic control weapon to his pistol and returned fire, striking the suspect. Wounded, Officer Holloway stood guard over the suspect, summoned additional officers and rescue personnel to the scene, and maintained scene control by issuing clear and calm directions to ensure the safety of bystanders. Officer Holloway’s quick reaction and presence of mind resulted in the arrest of a violent offender. On behalf of all at The BLUES Police Magazine, we extend our deepest appreciation to Officer Holloway for his dedication to continue to serve and protect. A grateful nation continues to lift he and his family up in the journey on the road to recovery. 66 The BLUES The BLUES 67