Arik Matson, the Waseca police officer who survived a gunshot wound to the head in January 2020 and continues his long recovery, was named the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association's 2020 Police Officer of the Year.
Matson was shot on the evening of Jan. 6, 2020, responding to a prowler in a backyard. The assailant was later sentenced to 35 years in prison on two counts of attempted first-degree murder of a police officer.
The officer of the year award is given to an officer whose actions exceed expectations after having been injured, faced danger to his or her life above and beyond the call of duty, and showed courage in a dangerous situation.
The association also honored three other Waseca officers who were part of the January 2020 incident. Kris Markeson, Tim Schroeder and Andrew Harren were each awarded the Medal of Honor and the Lifesaving Award. Matson was also awarded the Medal of Honor.
"These awards call out some of the best, brightest and bravest men and women in Minnesota law enforcement, but police chiefs across our state also today want to recognize the great work that goes unnoticed from the vast majority of police officers in agencies of all sizes, urban and rural," said MCPA President Eric Werner.
Other honorees include:
• Distinguished Service Award: Matthew Rabe of Brooklyn Park, Joey Burns of Hibbing, Pat Miller and Gabe Kerkaert of Savage.
• Lifesaving Award: Corey Nellis of Avon.
