2025 OFFICER Magazine Valor Awards

Josh Smith, Colin Harrison, Brandon Varnado, David Balfantz, Chris Howell & Chris Saginario

Louisiana Probation & Parole

On Jan. 1, 2025, Louisiana Probation & Parole Special Response Team members were tasked by the Louisiana State Police with patrolling Bourbon Street as additional presence for the New Year’s Eve.

At approximately 3:17 a.m., the team was outside the Bourbon House restaurant when they observed a white Ford Lighting Truck traveling at a high rate of speed. The vehicle made contact with a metal barricade and increased speed as it drove through crowded foot traffic. Team members pursued on foot as it came to a stop after crashing into a construction man lift. The agents continued toward the vehicle when they heard multiple gunshots. They drew their firearms and made a tactical approach of the vehicle from both sides, and secured the subject who was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The incident was later determined to be a terrorist event that left 14 people dead and more than 40 others injured.

Giovannina Prisco

Clark, New Jersey, Police Department

On the evening of May 12, 2025, Officer Prisco of the Clark Police Department exhibited extraordinary valor and selflessness in the face of imminent danger. Responding to a 911 call reporting a fiery single vehicle crash, the officer was among the first on the scene. Upon arrival, she encountered a horrifying scene: a vehicle engulfed in flames, with the driver trapped inside.

With no time to waste and fully aware of the grave risk to her own life, Officer Prisco acted without hesitation. Braving searing heat, thick smoke, and the very real threat of explosion, she worked together with other officers to extricate the trapped driver. Demonstrating fearless determination, Officer Prisco maneuvered into the smoke-filled vehicle to reach the trapped driver ultimately grabbing hold of the driver’s shirt and then shouting out to fellow officers “grab me” to coordinate a human chain to reinforce their grip and aid in the driver’s extraction with success. Despite sustaining injuries and suffering smoke inhalation, the officer’s only concern was saving the life of another. Her decisive actions and absolute disregard for personal safety are a testament to the highest ideals of law enforcement service.

Her courage under fire directly saved a man’s life and prevented a tragedy from becoming a fatality. Officer Prisco exemplified the unwavering dedication, bravery and heroism that the Officer Media Group Valor Award was created to honor.

William Bonanno

Tucson, Arizona, Police Department

Officer William Bonanno, a Tucson Police School Safety Officer, prevented a potential tragedy at Legacy Traditional School in Tucson on Jan. 16, 2025. He apprehended Daniel Hollander, an armed individual who had entered the school with a gun and knife, before students or staff were harmed.

Hollander was armed with a 9mm handgun and a pocketknife. He had been under the influence of methamphetamine and claimed an “invisible woman” was telling him what to do. He reportedly stated he intended to hurt children in a mass shooting. Officer Bonanno was on campus due to a partnership between the Tucson Police Department and Off Duty Management. Upon learning of the situation, Bonanno confronted Hollander, taking him into custody. State Superintendent Tom Horne praised Bonanno’s actions, stating that he prevented a potential tragedy. The incident has highlighted the importance of school safety officers and led to calls for increased funding for such positions. The Legacy Traditional School recently received funding to hire Officer Bonanno during his days off.

Officer Bonanno’s experience and quick actions saved lives that day and were lauded by Tucson Police Chief Chad Kasmar, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and the AZ School Resource Officers Association. Despite the recognition, Officer Bonanno rejected the label of hero. “I’m the kind of person who doesn’t look at myself as anything special. I’m an officer. I love being a cop. I did my job that day.”

Brian Garner

Overland Park, Kansas, Police Department

On March 10, 2024, a group of officers and detectives were working a retail theft enforcement assignment at the Oak Park Mall, which was about to close, Det. Amanda Burns received information from a Macy’s Loss Prevention Officer saying three males were concealing several fragrances on the store’s upper level. Several detectives began moving through the mall towards Macy’s, while Detectives Garner and Hunter Cleckner drove to the store. Before the detectives that were on foot could get to Macy’s, the store’s LPO reported the suspects were leaving through the east doors. The detectives were waiting outside and Det. Garner identified himself and gave the suspects orders, but none of them complied. Det. Garner then grabbed the arm of the closest suspect to him and drug the suspect to the ground. While he was doing this, Det. Cleckner grabbed another of the suspects and was attempting to place him in handcuffs. The third suspect was between the two detectives Det. Garner immediately moved towards the third suspect, whose back was to Det. Garner. As the suspect approached Det. Cleckner, Det. Garner saw the third suspect appear to attempt to draw a firearm from his waistband. Det. Garner drew his handgun, but Det. Cleckner and her suspect were behind the third suspect. He then moved quickly to the third suspect and kicked him in the back. The third suspect dropped a handgun that was in his waistband and Det. Garner then grabbed him and tackled him to the ground.

Timothy Wright

Ogunquit, Maine, Police Department

On August 9, 2024, at 5:58 p.m., Officer Timothy Wright while on routine patrol in Ogunquit, noticed people looking towards the Beach Fire Grill as they crossed the Main Street. Not knowing what was going on, he rolled down his window and heard someone yelling that a person was choking. Officer Wright exited his cruiser and ran to aid the male victim, who was laying in an outdoor restaurant area of the Beach Fire Grill. The male’s face was blue, and he had agonal breathing. Several bystanders were trying to assist the male by checking his pulse, but no one had started CPR. Officer Wright immediately started compressions and notified dispatch via his portable radio. Ogunquit Rescue and other police units were immediately dispatched to the scene. Officer Wright continued CPR on the male subject for several minutes until Ogunquit Rescue arrived on scene. The male had a large piece of food lodged in his throat and would have most likely died from lack of oxygen, if Officer Wright did not start CPR. Rescue was able to remove the food from his throat, and credit Officer Wright for the save.

The level of professionalism, and training, was evident during this high stress incident. Officer Wright’s actions exemplify the true meaning of being a part of a team as he worked with by-standers to render aid to the victim Officer Wright undoubtedly saving the man’s life and went above and beyond by being very proactive and by jumping into action to administer CPR to a complete stranger.