American Legion National Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter of the Year awards presented on stage at the 106th National Convention in Tampa.
The American Legion’s longstanding tradition of recognizing the service and sacrifice of first responders was on display Wednesday in the Tampa Convention Center, where the 2025 National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year and National Firefighter of the Year awards were presented.
American Legion National Commander James LaCoursiere Jr. presented the plaques to Sgt. Shane Maloley of the Beatrice, Neb., Police Department and Lt. Jason Harmsen, a paramedic for the Clayton County, Ga., Fire and Emergency Services.
“America is blessed to have so many amazing and dedicated police officers and firefighters,” LaCoursiere said during his presentation of the awards at the 106th American Legion National Convention in Tampa, Fla., Aug. 27. “Their split-second decisions can mean life or death and often invite intense scrutiny. Bad officers dominate news coverage, while good officers are often not given the same attention nor the recognition that they deserve.”
Maloley’s citation for the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award reads, “for Outstanding selfless service over and above normal duties through heroic acts, community service and professional achievement thereby exemplifying the meaning of the phrase: America’s Finest.”
“I’m deeply honored and humbled to receive this award. I know there are so many deserving law enforcement officers across the nation to be chosen among them is truly a privilege,” said Maloley, a 15-year veteran of the Beatrice Police Department who has helped facilitate 80 arrests by working closely with the Gage County Sheriff’s Office, investigated a burglary involving stolen firearms that contributed to the arrest of several individuals connected to a murder case, and collaborated with the U.S. Marshals Service to assist in locating and apprehending fugitives.
“Being a police officer today is one of the toughest jobs in America,” Maloley added. “The risks are real, the threats are growing, yet I remain proud to wear the badge and stand with my brothers and sisters in uniform. I wish to extend my deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to the brave men and women in law enforcement, and to the members of the United States miliary.”
Harmsen’s citation for the Firefighter of the Year Awards citations reads, “for outstanding selfless service over and above normal duties through community service and professional achievement thereby exemplifying the meaning of the phrase: America’s Bravest.”
“What an honor and privilege it is to be here on behalf of all firefighters,” said Harmsen, who helped develop his county’s tactical medic program, designed an officer-down medical response course, and risked his life during Hurricane Helene to rescue two individuals stranded in raging floodwaters. “You can go into any of the thousands of stations across the country and find thousands of firefighters who have done everything I’ve done and even greater. It’s a testament of my profession that I’ve been allowed the opportunities to do the things I’ve done.”
- Convention