Officer Tyler Carlton was named the nation's top trooper by the International Association of Police Chiefs. He was the partner of fallen CHP Ofc. Kenyon Youngstrom, who was shot and killed by a gunman on Interstate 680 in Alamo in September 2012.
Carlton returned fire, killing the gunman, 36-year-old Christopher Lacy.
The panel said Carlton displayed extreme courage in his attempt to save Youngstrom's life and keep the public safe.