Hopi Law Enforcement Services Officer Tony Pawasiema was honored at the U.S. Attorney’s Law Enforcement Awards ceremony in Phoenix, Arizona, for his exceptional valor. Officer Pawasiema was recognized for providing life-saving aid to a man who shot him during an incident in 2023.

While investigating a burglary call in Sichomovi Village on the Hopi Reservation, Officer Pawasiema was shot in the chest. Despite being injured, he returned fire and struck his assailant. Following this, he rendered life-saving aid to the shooter until additional help arrived. Fortunately, Officer Pawasiema did not sustain serious injuries.

The ceremony celebrating Officer Pawasiema's bravery was attended by members of his family, colleagues from Hopi Law Enforcement Services (HLES), and tribal leadership.

Officer Pawasiema is one of only a few HLES officers serving a large geographic area and faces numerous challenges. Despite having been fired upon more than once during his six-year career, he continues to serve the Hopi community with distinction.