The Peru Gazette

State’s Highest Honor for Police Officers Recognizes Exceptional Valor and Bravery

September 22, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that Rochester Police Officer Nicole Amatore is the recipient of the 2026 Police Officer of the Year Award for demonstrating exceptional courage and bravery in the face of grave danger.

Officer Amatore stopped a gunman who had shot and wounded three of her colleagues and then opened fire on her. She exchanged fire with the gunman and ended the threat, even as a bullet struck the tree she was using for cover.

“It takes tremendous courage and integrity for police officers to suit up each day and put themselves in harm’s way to protect others,” Governor Hochul said. “It takes even more to remain calm and act quickly and decisively in the face of a deadly threat. Officer Amatore did just that while under fire from a gunman who had already wounded three of her colleagues. It is my honor to name Officer Amatore the 2026 Police Officer of the Year for her extraordinary bravery and dedication to public service.”

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Commissioner Rossana Rosado presented the Police Officer of the Year Award on behalf of Governor Hochul during the agency’s annual Public Safety Symposium, the state’s largest professional gathering of public safety leaders and partners.

Officer Amatore ’s actions occurred on Dec. 19, 2025, when Rochester police responded to a 911 call from a woman whose estranged partner was armed and attempting to enter the home where she and her children were living.

Two responding officers found the suspect outside a first-floor window and ordered him to show his hands. He instead pulled a gun from his pocket and opened fire, striking both officers. The gunman fled on foot and encountered a third officer several blocks away. He fired again, striking that officer.

When Officer Amatore arrived, the suspect shot at her. She took cover behind a tree, returned fire and stopped the gunman, ending the threat. One of the suspect’s rounds struck the tree she was using for cover. All three wounded officers survived their injuries.

City of Rochester Mayor Malik Evans said, “Officer Amatore’s heroic actions powerfully demonstrated courage, quick thinking, and selflessness in the face of imminent danger. That unbridled bravery is characteristic of this extraordinary public servant, who exemplifies the highest principles of a sworn officer committed to serving and protecting others before themselves. We are proud to recognize and commend her outstanding service.”

City of Rochester Police Chief David M. Smith said, “Officer Amatore’s actions exemplified exceptional heroism, bravery and selfless dedication to duty. Faced with an immediate and lethal threat, she continued the mission without hesitation, knowingly placing herself in danger after three fellow officers had been shot and gravely injured, to stop a violent offender and protect her colleagues and the public. By acting decisively under fire, her conduct exceeded the normal expectations of police service and reflected the highest ideals of the law enforcement profession.”

Officer Amatore has served with the Rochester Police Department since 2019. She is the second member of the department to be named New York State Police Officer of the Year.