Valor Awards

This year marked the third year for the Valor Awards, a distinguished ceremony brought to you by the Exchange Club of Northside Bloomington in partnership with the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. The ceremony is dedicated to honoring the bravery and selflessness of our first responders. Set to spotlight these everyday heroes, the Valor Awards recognized one individual from each sector for their exemplary service. The event, proudly presented by Simtra BioPharma Solutions, unfolded on Thursday, May 14th, 2026 at Ivy Tech Community College's Shreve Hall. See photos from the event below!

Nominations were solicited from Monroe County entities in four categories: law enforcement, fire, dispatch, and correctional center, with an outside selection committee tasked with reviewing submissions. The winners of each category were announced during the awards presentation. 

Nominees include (winners *):

• Law Enforcement
  • Master Trooper Matthew Fleener – Indiana State Police Department
  • Sgt. Richard Hall – Ellettsville Police Department
  • Senior Officer Jonathan Hoffmeister – Bloomington Police Department*
  • Sgt. Austin Magness – Indiana University Police Department
  • Cpl. Payton Windsor – Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
• Fire Department
  • Capt. Matt Muehling – City of Bloomington Fire Department
  • Lt. Bryce Williams – Monroe Fire Protection District*
  • Chief Jason Zeeks – City of Bloomington
• Correctional Center
  • Staff Sgt. George Trippany – Monroe County Sheriff’s Office*
• Dispatch
  • BreAnna Axsom – Monroe County Central Dispatch*
• David Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Bryan Criger - City of Bloomington Fire Department*