On Monday, October 21, 2024, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) recognized Fargo Police Sgt. Zachary Robinson with an IACP/Axon Police Officer of the Year Award during the association’s annual conference in Boston, Massachusetts.
Robinson was honored for his courageous actions on July 14, 2023. On that day, a heavily armed gunman fatally shot Fargo Police Officer Jake Wallin, along with wounding Officers Tyler Hawes and Andrew Dotas and an innocent bystander, at the scene of a vehicle crash. In immediate response to the shooting, Robinson exchanged fire with the gunman and ultimately neutralized the threat. Robinson is credited with intervening on an individual who appeared to have intentions to inflict further harm on the community of Fargo.
“I am extremely honored and humbled to receive this award,” stated Robinson, who was promoted to Sergeant in August 2024. “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.”
Sgt. Robinson was one of four finalists for the Officer of the Year Award. Due to the exceptionally high quality of submissions this year, the judges decided to honor all four finalists with the Officer of the Year Award. In addition to Sgt. Robinson, the recipients include Officer Dominque Akins of the Allen (Texas) Police Department, and Officer Rex Engelbert and Detective Michael Collazo of the Metropolitan Nashville (Tennessee) Police Department.
“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. 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,” stated Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski.
The IACP/Axon Police Officer of the Year Award recognizes police officers who have shown exceptional valor and dedication in the line of duty. It highlights officers who have gone above and beyond, often in life-threatening or high-risk situations, to protect the public, uphold justice and demonstrate unwavering commitment to their communities, according to the IACP, a nonprofit professional association for police leaders. With over 34,000 members in more than 170 countries, the IACP is considered a global leader in policing, focused on advancing safer communities through thoughtful, progressive police leadership.