Last updated: August 10, 2026
Article
2026 National Law Enforcement Awards
The National Park Service's Law Enforcement Awards honor our officers who go above and beyond the call of duty to display the Service's highest standard of professionalism and public service.
Ranger Excellence Award
This award honors an National Park Service Law Enforcement Ranger who has demonstrated the highest degree of skill, leadership, and integrity throughout their career.
NPS Photo
Mitchell Hauptman
US Park Ranger/Protection, Rocky Mountain National Park
Widely respected in National Park Service law enforcement, Mitchell Hauptman built his reputation through his dedication, integrity, and leadership. He believed in “leading from the front,” and he earned his team’s trust by supporting their professional growth and personal well‑being.
At Delaware Water Gap, Mitchell set up a large information‑sharing network that connected more than 160 police agencies. This network helped stop major crimes, including serious drug trafficking. At Rocky Mountain National Park, he worked with the Rocky Mountain Conservancy to pay for important law enforcement and emergency service equipment. He also improved training and readiness by creating a local practice facility and arranging advanced sessions with the FBI.
Mitchell was also known for his compassion and courage. In one case, he bought groceries and a motel room for a homeless woman and her infant after her driver was arrested. In December 2021, he was involved in a shooting while trying to stop a fleeing suspect in a stolen car. He was hit in his ballistic vest but continued to take action, returned fire, stopped the suspect, and then provided a life‑saving tourniquet to the person who shot him.
Mitchell never sought attention for himself and always credited his team for their achievements. His work made a lasting difference for his colleagues, the public, and the agency. He was a strong example of selflessness, professionalism, and service in National Park Service law enforcement.
Law Enforcement Instructor of the Year Award
This award honors an instructor who has demonstrated outstanding abilities and dedication in the field of law enforcement training.
NPS Photo
Eric Tillson
US Park Ranger, Richmond National Battlefield
Eric Tillson was consistently recognized for his dedication, patience, and ability to provide quality firearms training for our agency. Eric’s tailored instruction, steady encouragement, and calm demeanor helped his peers overcome significant challenges—ranging from qualification anxiety to mastering advanced firearms skills.
Eric brought professionalism, enthusiasm, and a commitment to continual improvement of himself and others. He regularly pursued advanced instruction himself to then return with new expertise that strengthened the skills of those around him. Eric demonstrated exceptional safety and had unwavering dedication to elevating others whether teaching large groups, mentoring one-on-one, or supporting Special Event Tactical Teams (SETT).
Eric’s impact extended well beyond Richmond National Battlefield Park. He regularly traveled to support neighboring parks to give high-quality training. He studied evolving tactics, refined his own methods, and shared new techniques generously. This helped raise the overall standard of law enforcement instruction across national parks in his region.
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