Submitted Photo U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Zachary Robinson holds the Pitsenbarger Award, a national recognition, during a group photo with 119th Wing and Fargo civic leaders on Saturday at Fargo Air National Guard Base. Robinson received the award for his heroic actions on July 14, 2023, when he neutralized an armed assailant, preventing further loss of life in the Fargo community. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brody Katka.

FARGO – A North Dakota Air National Guard airmen was honored on Saturday with a national heroism award for his extraordinary heroism during the July 14, 2023, Fargo police shooting, according to the N.D. National Guard.

Master Sgt. Zachary Robinson, 119th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load standardization crew team chief, was recognized by the Air Force Sergeants Association with the 2024 Pitsenbarger Award, a national recognition given to enlisted airmen who display extraordinary courage and selflessness in life-threatening situations, a National Guard news release stated.

Robinson was presented the award at a ceremony at the Fargo Air National Guard Base.

Robinson, who serves as a police officer with the Fargo Police Department in his civilian career, acted decisively when a gunman ambushed officers responding to an unrelated traffic incident. As chaos unfolded, Robinson engaged the shooter, stopping the threat and preventing what officials believe could have been a mass casualty event.

“I was honored to present Master Sgt. Robinson with the Air Force Sergeants Association Pitsenbarger Award for 2024,” said Col. Christopher Domitrovich, 119th Wing commander, in the release. “Zach selflessly demonstrated the Hooligan Way through his heroic actions that day. Through his quick actions and instinct to run toward danger, Zach prevented a much larger tragedy in our community.”

The Fargo attack killed Officer Jake Wallin and critically injured Officers Tyler Hawes and Andrew Dotas, a fellow member of the 119th Wing. Robinson’s actions, under fire, neutralized the threat and protected both fellow officers and civilians. Both Hawes and Dotas have since made full recoveries.

The 119th Wing members are known as the “Happy Hooligans.”

“I, along with the airmen of the 119th Wing, truly appreciate all that our first responders provide our community and couldn’t be prouder of Master Sgt. Robinson for his service in and out of the military uniform,” added Domitrovich.