The OTOA wants to acknowledge tactically minded first responders who exhibit commitment, expertise, enthusiasm, and/or valorous actions.

Any person can nominate an individual or group who qualifies for recognition under the below criteria.

An awards committee selected by the OTOA board of directors will make the final decisions regarding the awards.

This award is presented each year to a SWAT/Tactical Unit whose members distinguished themselves through valorous actions during a tactical operation. 

A selection committee reviews a situation in which members of the nominated unit clearly acted without regard for the safety of their own lives in order to safely resolve a situation, thus protecting fellow officers and/or innocent victims and bystanders.

The situation eligible for review shall be a minimum of one-year previous to the year of the awards banquet. (example - Banquet in 2017, situation must occur in 2016 or earlier to be eligible for review)

• Officers Full Name.
• Department / Agency.
• SWAT Team assigned.
• Documentation of the event; Synopsis of the event in the body of an email or an attached Word document.
• A contact person to verify the event, actions or conduct.