Awards

Each year, CATO is proud to accept nominations for the CATO Awards, honoring law enforcement officers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in the previous year.

Several prestigious awards are formally presented to recipients at the annual CATO Training Conference.

Nominations for each award must comply with the following criteria:

  • Nominees must be active members of CATO.
  • Nominations must include the nominee’s name, organization, and reasons for nomination.
  • The nomination must include accurate information on jurisdiction, agencies, and the dates on which the officer performed the actions that are deserving of the particular award.

Nomination Instructions:

  1. Click on the award title to submit a nomination for that category
  2. Read the award criteria
  3. Complete the award nomination form
  4. Submit the application

For more information, contact Adam Sharki at [email protected]

Award of Valor

The CATO Award of Valor is awarded to tactical officers who distinguish themselves by remarkable bravery or acts displaying extreme courage during a tactical incident.
Executive of the Year

CATO Chief of the Year is awarded to an outstanding Chief or Sheriff who demonstrates a fierce commitment to supporting the training, equipping and deploying of their tactical team.
Special Weapons Team of the Year

CATO Special Weapons Team of the Year is awarded to an outstanding California SWAT team based on a particular operation and an ongoing commitment by a team to do the best possible job, through a dedication to real-world training operations and teamwork.
SWAT Officer of the Year

CATO will bestow its SWAT Officer of the Year Award to the SWAT officer who embodies the values, commitment and standards that set the tactical community apart. The recipient has demonstrated their contributions during operations as well as ongoing support for the betterment of the team.
Sid Heal Award of Excellence

Named for the legendary tactical innovator, philosopher and prolific author, Sid Heal, this award is presented to the individual who has demonstrated an extreme commitment to service and has proven their dedication to enhancing the profession and the tactical community. A selection committee bases its decision on an evaluation of his or her performance, dedication, and leadership.
Tim Anderson Leadership Award

Named for the exemplary leader, Marine and LAPD Sergeant, Colonel Tim Anderson. This award is presented to the individual who has demonstrated a consistent commitment to servant leadership and has shown a unique ability to guide, develop and inspire others. A selection committee bases its decision on an evaluation of his or her performance, dedication, and leadership.
Life Time Acheivement Award

Our most prestigious award. Recipients must win unanimous approval of the CATO Board of Directors. Likewise, the qualifications for this award cannot be attributed to a single act or incident but instead, span a career and often long after retirement. The individual's achievements must reflect the highest level of personal commitment, leadership, and dedicated service to the tactical community of California law enforcement.