2025 National Law Enforcement Awards

The National Law Enforcement Awards recognize individuals who exemplify the proud tradition of rangering from a variety of career fields.

The National Ranger Excellence Award is presented annually to honor a law enforcement ranger who exceeds normal expectations and shows initiative, imagination, perseverance, competence, creativity, resourcefulness, dedication, and integrity. The award is the hallmark of recognition for Law Enforcement Rangers in the National Park Service (NPS). It honors those who have promoted the highest degree of leadership, awareness, and appreciation for the ranger profession and the NPS.

The Law Enforcement Instructor of the Year Award allows the National Park Service's Law Enforcement Training Center to recognize the outstanding achievements of the agency's talented cadre of Law Enforcement Ranger Instructors by selecting one instructor annually who has demonstrated outstanding abilities, qualities, and dedication in the field of law enforcement training.

The following award recipients will be honored in the 2025 NPS servicewide awards ceremony for accomplishments achieved in 2024.

Award recipient David Keltner.

NPS

National Ranger Excellence Award Recipient: David Keltner

Yellowstone National Park

David Keltner has worked in a variety of national park units and currently serves as a supervisor at Yellowstone National Park. His commitment to law enforcement and excellence in ranger services has made a profound impact on his community and embodies the spirit of this prestigious award. David has served in a wide range of law enforcement and emergency services roles, including Field Officer, Supervisor, Special Events Tactical Team Lead, and Chief Ranger.

Throughout his career, David has played critical roles in numerous high-profile emergency responses across the country. These deployments required not only rapid action, but immense personal sacrifice - sacrifices Dave undertook with humility and honor.

In addition to his operational achievements, David has been devoted to providing emotional and mental health support to his fellow rangers and staff. He is a leader, a mentor, and a champion for the well-being of others. His steady presence and genuine care are felt by everyone who works beside him.

Award recipient Michael Antczak.

NPS

Law Enforcement Instructor of the Year Recipient: Michael Antczak

Gateway National Recreation Area

Michael Antczak has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the professional development of his peers and the safety of both fellow officers and the public. Michael has served as the Field Training Lead at Gateway National Recreation Area (GATE), as well as being an active Taser and Use of Force Instructor. He has consistently shown passion and motivation in developing sophisticated scenario-based training to ensure officers are well-prepared for the challenges they face in the field. Michael has coordinated several large training exercises for his park and the surrounding jurisdictions.

He currently serves as the primary coordinator for the GATE's participation in the Bayshore Active Shooter Taskforce. His ability to unite cooperating agencies and tailor the training to the participants' needs demonstrates his foresight and commitment to preparedness. Michael was also instrumental in collaborating with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center to produce the Use of Force Policy Training Video for 2025, which became required training for all National Park Service Law Enforcement Officers.