The OTOA wants to acknowledge tactical personnel who exhibit commitment, expertise, enthusiasm, and/or valorous actions. Below is the criteria for various awards given by the OTOA every year. Any member of the OTOA can nominate an officer who fits whether they are a member or not for recognition under the below criteria. A board selected by the board of directors will make the final decisions regarding the awards.

OTOA Award of Excellence

This award is presented each year to the person or persons, who contributes the most to further the goals of the tactical community. A selection committee bases its decision on an evaluation of his or her performance, dedication and leadership. The award recognizes the recipient for:

    Unselfish dedication to the enhancement of the tactical unit capabilities.
    Unstinting efforts to increase tactical officer safety through training and mutual exchange of information.
    Epitomizing the highest standards of professionalism and honor in all aspects of law enforcement.

OTOA Awards of Valor

This award is presented each year to the person or persons or team who distinguish themselves through valorous actions during a tactical operation. A selection committee reviews a situation in which the nominated individual clearly acted without regard for his or her own life to save a fellow officer or an innocent victim.

OTOA Unit Citation for Valor

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 act without regard for the safety of their own lives in order to neutralize a suspect, thus protecting fellow officers and/or innocent victims and bystanders.

Spirit of OTOA Award

This award honors an individual, corporation or organization whose work epitomizes the ultimate vision of the OTOA — to save lives. Consideration is given to those who have a long-term commitment to promote officer safety, collegiality, sound tactics and professionalism.

All nominations must include the following:

    Officers full name
    Department
    SWAT Team assigned
    Email, report or other documentation of the event
    A contact person to verify the event, actions or conduct

Send all nominations to:
OTOA
C/O Lakewood Police Department
Lakewood, Ohio 44107

Attn: Patrick Fiorilli

Questions may be directed to:
Patrick Fiorilli
OTOA President

Please use the contact page of this website if you’d like to submit a nomination.