NRA Honors Officer Zachary Robinson as the 2023 NRA Law Enforcement Officer of the Year

The National Rifle Association of America proudly announces that Officer Zachary Robinson of the Fargo, North Dakota Police Department was selected as the 2023 NRA Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Officer Robinson is being recognized for his courage under fire, unwavering leadership, and sound judgment in the field.

“As NRA President, it gives me great honor to recognize Officer Robinson for his brave service to the Fargo community,” said Charles Cotton, NRA President. “Officer Robinson’s commitment to protecting his fellow officers and citizens is a testament to his courage and demonstrates the very best of our Nation’s finest who don the uniform of law and order. The NRA proudly supports the heroic men and women of law enforcement and we are grateful for their service to our country.”

Just before 3:00 PM on Friday, July 14, 2023, officers of the Fargo, North Dakota Police Department were investigating a traffic accident on a thoroughfare in Fargo when, without warning, they came under fire from an unknown assailant with a .223 caliber rifle.

The assailant, who was parked facing the roadway in a nearby parking lot, began firing at three officers who had walked near his vehicle, striking all three. The suspect continued to fire as he exited his vehicle, also firing at the people involved in the collision and the firefighters who responded to the crash. One of the three officers, Jake Wallin, managed to fire one round before collapsing.

Officer Zachary Robinson, who was standing in the street at the time the gunfire erupted, immediately saw the suspect and returned fire with his handgun, while radioing for assistance and taking cover behind a vehicle.

Officer Robinson then advanced on the suspect, who was on the ground behind his vehicle, and commanded him to drop the handgun he now had in his hand. The suspect was unresponsive, as he had succumbed to his wounds.

Officer Robinson exhibited exceptional bravery and courage while facing the armed violent suspect. Officer Robinson’s actions not only saved his life, but the lives of fellow officers and citizens. As such, it is with great honor and pride that the National Rifle Association names Officer Zachary Robinson as the 2023 NRA Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.

The NRA will present the 2023 NRA Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award and an engraved Glock firearm to Officer Robinson at the NRA Board of Directors Meeting following the 153rd NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, scheduled for May 17-19, 2024, in Dallas, Texas.

For information about NRA’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award, please visit https://awards.nra.org/awards/nra-officer-of-the-year-award/.