Rochester Named Officer Nicole Amatore of the Year
The Rochester Police Department recognized Officer Nicole Amatore for her heroism during a 2025 shooting incident.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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The Rochester Police Department named Officer Nicole Amatore its 2026 Police Officer of the Year. The honor recognizes her actions during a violent domestic violence call that left three of her colleagues wounded.
Why it matters
The award honors Amatore for successfully stopping a violent suspect in December 2025 while protecting both her fellow officers and the local Rochester community.
Officer Amatore was honored for her role in neutralizing a suspect who wounded 3 officers during a 2025 domestic violence call on Chili Avenue and Thurston Road. The case remains under formal review following the violent confrontation.
The players
Nicole Amatore
She is a Rochester Police Department officer who has served with the force since 2019.
Rochester Police Department
This is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for public safety in Rochester, New York.
The details
During the December 2025 incident, a suspect opened fire on officers after being ordered to drop a weapon, leading to a shootout at Chili Avenue and Thurston Road. Amatore took cover and returned fire to stop the suspect and protect the public.
Timeline
Nicole Amatore began her service with the Rochester Police Department in 2019.
Three officers were shot during a domestic violence call in December 2025.
Officer Nicole Amatore was officially named Officer of the Year on September 22, 2026.
Legal Context
This recognition places Officer Amatore among an elite group of statewide honorees. She is only the second member of her department to receive the New York State Police Officer of the Year award.
The recognition highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by local law enforcement in residential areas like Chili Avenue. Residents are reminded to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity during domestic disturbance calls.
The takeaway
Recognizing officers for decisive action serves as a reminder of the volatile nature of domestic violence interventions. Communities can support safety by ensuring local police receive comprehensive training for high-threat scenarios.
Further reading
For more information on departmental recognitions and public safety reports, visit Law Enforcement.
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Do you trust the police in your community to act heroically in dangerous situations?
