The National Law Enforcement Officer Hall of Fame has announced its 2026 class of inductees, recognizing officers from across the country for their courage, leadership, and lifelong service to their communities. The honorees were selected through a national nomination and review process that highlights excellence at every stage of a law enforcement career.
Among those named for 2026 is Officer Autumn Likes, an officer with the Independence Police Department in Ohio, who will receive the Young Officer Award. Likes was recently recognized as the winner of the Next Generation of Protectors Award, presented by GALLS and Law Enforcement Today, and her induction into the Hall of Fame reflects the growing impact of her service and leadership early in her career.
The 2026 Hall of Fame class includes honorees across multiple categories, each representing a different facet of law enforcement service:
- Young Officer Award: Autumn Likes, Patrolman, Independence Police Department (Ohio)
- Founder’s Award: Terry L. Palmer Jr., City of Clarkesville Police Department (Georgia)
- Courage in Service Award: Greg Ferency (posthumously), Terre Haute Police Department / FBI Task Force Officer (Indiana)
- Courage in Service Award: Bryan D. Kendi, City of Connellsville Police Department (Pennsylvania)
- Courage in Service Award: Danny Sherbinsky, retired sergeant, City of Connellsville Police Department (Pennsylvania)
- K9 Hero Award: K9 Preacher (posthumously), handled by Sgt. Jonathan Russell, Maine State Police Tactical Team (Maine)
- Trainer of the Year Award: Julie Werhnyak, retired Tempe Police Department officer and owner of Artemis Self-Defense LLC (Arizona)
- Scherer-Remsberg Lifetime Achievement Award: Kyle Vowinkel, Federal Bureau of Investigation (Florida)
- Distinguished Service Award: Brandon Griffith, deputy sheriff, Pinal County Sheriff’s Office and CEO of the Griffith Blue Heart nonprofit (Arizona)
- Career Achievement Award: Bill Walsh (posthumously), Dallas Police Department (Texas)
- Never Forgotten Award: Cody Holte (posthumously), Grand Forks Police Department (North Dakota)
Founded in 2017 by Megan Stockburger and Adam Davenport, the National Law Enforcement Officer Hall of Fame honors the men and women of law enforcement who exemplify excellence in service and preserve the legacy of those who have made extraordinary sacrifices in the line of duty.
“The Hall of Fame exists to ensure that stories of courage, leadership, and service are never forgotten,” said Stockburger. “Each inductee represents the very best of this profession.”
GALLS Partnership
The National Law Enforcement Officer Hall of Fame is proud to recognize GALLS, the leading supplier of uniforms and equipment to public safety professionals, as the presenting sponsor of the 2026 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
“It is a profound honor for GALLS to serve as the presenting sponsor for the National Law Enforcement Officer Hall of Fame, a partnership that underscores our enduring dedication to the law enforcement professionals who uphold public safety with unwavering resolve and the resilience of those who serve our communities,” said Mike Fadden, CEO of GALLS.
“We applaud these distinguished inductees, a remarkable group of officers whose careers define the very essence of sacrifice, reliability, and excellence in the line of duty. We look forward to celebrating with them at the Hall of Fame ceremony in April.”
The National Law Enforcement Officer Hall of Fame
The 2026 National Law Enforcement Officer Hall of Fame Induction Dinner will be held in April 2026, with event details, ticket information, and sponsorship opportunities to be announced.
Hall of Fame leaders said the 2026 inductees represent the very best of the law enforcement profession, honoring both those who made the ultimate sacrifice and those who continue to shape the future of policing.
The 2026 National Law Enforcement Officer Hall of Fame induction ceremony, presented by GALLS, is scheduled to take place in April 2026. For additional details regarding the induction ceremony, sponsorship opportunities, and to purchase tickets visit here.
About GALLS
For over 50 years, GALLS has been the trusted source for uniforms, tactical gear, and essential equipment for America’s public safety professionals. More than one million men and women rely on GALLS for their essential gear each year. Serving law enforcement, military, fire, EMS, and private security personnel, GALLS offers a complete 360° solution for agencies and departments, including custom web portals that streamline ordering, improve speed, and enhance oversight. At GALLS, we are Proud To Serve Those Who Serve™.
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