IACP and Axon Name Minneapolis Finalists As Police Officers of the Year
The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and Axon Police Officer of the Year Award is designed to recognize and honor police officers who have demonstrated exceptional valor, bravery, and dedication in the line of duty.
This award highlights officers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty, often in life-threatening or high-risk situations, to protect the public, uphold justice, and demonstrate unwavering commitment to their communities.
The IACP/Axon Police Office of the Year Award seeks to inspire excellence within the policing profession by celebrating acts of heroism, leadership, and exemplary service.
The IACP and Axon honors Officer Jamal Mitchell (Posthumous), Officer Nicholas Kapinos, Officer Luke Kittock, and Officer Eric Withanom of the Minneapolis, Minnesota, Police Department as the 2025 Police Officers of the Year.
Pictured below from left to right: Officer Nicholas Kapinos; Chief Brian O'Hara; Tori Myslajek, Fiancée to Officer Jamal Mitchell (Posthumous); Officer Luke Kittock; and Officer Eric Withanom.
On May 30, 2024, the Minneapolis Police Department received a call that two males had been found deceased inside an apartment with apparent gunshot wounds to the head. After fleeing from the scene, the suspect began randomly assaulting pedestrians. In an attempt to rob a male of his scooter, another community member intervened by striking the suspect with his car and breaking his leg.
Officer Jamal Mitchell was the first to arrive and saw two people that needed immediate medical assistance. He approached an injured male, who he believed to be a victim, but was in fact the suspect. The suspect then produced a handgun and fired, striking Officer Mitchell several times. As firefighters arrived, the suspect concealed his weapon and attempted to lure them to assist him. When they hesitated in their approach, the suspect opened fire, prompting the firefighters to take cover and notify dispatch.
Officers Luke Kittock and Eric Withanom arrived at the scene and were immediately met with the suspect's gunfire. Officer Kittock deployed his patrol rifle while Officer Withanom used a ballistic shield to protect themselves and the firefighters. Officer Kittock discharged his rifle at the suspect several times and eventually stopped the threat, despite sustaining a facial injury. When Officer Nicholas Kapinos arrived amid the gunfire, he did not hesitate to return fire and provide cover for the officers rendering aid to Officer Mitchell.
Tragically, Officer Mitchell succumbed to his injuries that day, and his family and the Minneapolis Police Department continue to grieve the loss. Because of their bravery and willingness to run toward the gunfire, these four officers protected the community and prevented additional people from losing their lives.
