Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 35 minutes ago
Jack Cover 'Save of the Year': Trooper Gabriel Espinoza, Arizona Department of Public Safety
The Jack Cover Medal of Heroism is given out on an ongoing basis to recognize public safety professionals who use a TASER energy weapon to save a life through less-lethal force. Each year, one public safety professional who has earned the Jack Cover Medal of Heroism story is bestowed with the title: “Save of the Year.” The 2026 Jack Cover “Save of the Year” was awarded to Trooper Gabriel Espinoza of the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Trooper Espinoza is being recognized for his extraordinary restraint, judgment and commitment to preserving life during a rapidly evolving encounter in Phoenix, Arizona. Faced with a severely injured subject armed with a box cutter and demanding to be shot, Trooper Espinoza stayed focused on de-escalation.
Using his TASER 10 in a highly volatile situation, he was able to stop the threat without resorting to deadly force. He then immediately transitioned to lifesaving care, applying tourniquets and direct pressure until medics arrived. Because of his composure and tactical discipline, the subject survived.
Learn more at axon.com/blog/2026-axon-award-winners
#JackCover #AxonAwards #Axon #ProtectLife
Jack Cover 'Save of the Year': Trooper Gabriel Espinoza, Arizona Department of Public Safety
The Jack Cover Medal of Heroism is given out on an ongoing basis to recognize public safety professionals who use a TASER energy weapon to save a life through less-lethal force. Each year, one public safety professional who has earned the Jack Cover Medal of Heroism story is bestowed with the title: “Save of the Year.” The 2026 Jack Cover “Save of the Year” was awarded to Trooper Gabriel Espinoza of the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Trooper Espinoza is being recognized for his extraordinary restraint, judgment and commitment to preserving life during a rapidly evolving encounter in Phoenix, Arizona. Faced with a severely injured subject armed with a box cutter and demanding to be shot, Trooper Espinoza stayed focused on de-escalation.
Using his TASER 10 in a highly volatile situation, he was able to stop the threat without resorting to deadly force. He then immediately transitioned to lifesaving care, applying tourniquets and direct pressure until medics arrived. Because of his composure and tactical discipline, the subject survived.
Learn more at axon.com/blog/2026-axon-award-winners
#JackCover #AxonAwards #Axon #ProtectLife
