2023 IACP Officer of the Year Nathan Gadson

Houston Police Officer Nathan Gadson was selected as the 2023 IACP Officer of the Year. This is the most prestigious award from one of the top law enforcement organizations in the world. The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) received several nominations. The top four finalists were asked to attend the annual conference held in San Diego for 2023, where they named Officer Nathan Gadson as the winner.  Please read the IACP summary for this award: 93586

On January 27, 2022, Officers Nathan Gadson, Daniel Hayden, and Anthony Alvarez responded to a residence for a domestic threat-to-life call. When the officers arrived, they received the suspect’s name and a description of the vehicle he was driving. The officers spotted the vehicle and attempted to conduct a felony traffic stop. The suspect crashed into a parking lot gate and without warning, using a homemade automatic firearm, suddenly opened fire on the officers, striking Officer Gadson in the heel as he exited his vehicle, Officer Hayden in the right forearm, and Officer Alvarez in the inner thigh, breaking his femur. Officer Gadson immediately engaged the suspect, returned fire and wounded the suspect. The suspect then carjacked another civilian at gunpoint and drove off, still firing at the officers. Officer Gadson immediately rendered medical aid to his fellow officers, applying a tourniquet to Officer Alvarez, all while providing updates to dispatch.

After a standoff with SWAT officers at the suspect’s home that lasted several hours, the suspect exited the home with his hands raised. The suspect was transported to the hospital where he was treated for his injury. He was charged with three counts of attempted capital murder and two felony charges for possession of a machine gun and being a felon in possession of a firearm. All officers involved were transported to the hospital and successfully treated. Officer Gadson displayed exemplary bravery and valor during this life-threatening incident, rendering aid to his fellow officers, despite being wounded.

Author Shannon Barker, Editor

Published November 6, 2023