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Wisconsin Hero of the Year Award

Honoring one extraordinary Wisconsin hero each year who goes above and beyond in service, courage, and dedication to our communities.
Celebrating Those Who Exemplify the Highest Ideals of Service

2026 Award Timeline

Nominations Due:  February 28, 2026
Selection Committee: March 2026
Winner Announced:  April 2026
Nominate Wisconsin's Hero of the Year

What Makes a Wisconsin Hero of the Year?

The Reward Our Heroes, Hero of the Year Award recognizes

Extraordinary Service Beyond Duty

Actions that go significantly above and beyond normal job responsibilities, demonstrating exceptional dedication to serving others in times of need or crisis.

Selfless Dedication to Others

Putting the welfare and safety of others before personal interests, often involving personal sacrifice or risk for the greater good of the community.

Positive Community Impact

Measurable positive influence on Wisconsin communities, improving lives, solving problems, or inspiring others through their exemplary actions and leadership.

Leadership in Crisis

Demonstrating exceptional leadership, quick thinking, and decisive action during emergency situations or challenging circumstances that benefit others.

Embodiment of Professional Ideals

Representing the highest standards and values of their profession while serving as an inspiration to colleagues and community members alike.

Wisconsin Values Champion

Exemplifying the core values that make Wisconsin strong: hard work, integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to helping neighbors and community.

Annual Recognition Timeline

January

Nomination Period Opens

January 1st - Call for nominations begins! Submit detailed nominations highlighting extraordinary service and community impact.

February 28th

Final Submission Deadline

February 28th - All nominations must be received by 11:59 PM. Complete your nomination with supporting documentation and detailed examples.

March

Selection Committee Review

March - Expert panel reviews all nominations, conducts interviews, and selects Wisconsin's most deserving hero of the year.

April

Winner Announcement & Ceremony

April - Grand celebration announcing Wisconsin's Hero of the Year with statewide recognition and awards ceremony.

Past Wisconsin Heroes of the Year

Phil Willems
2025 Wisconsin Hero of the Year

2025

Phil Willems

Military Veteran & Waunakee Community Leader
Phil Willems has dedicated decades of selfless service to Waunakee and beyond. A proud veteran and longtime community leader, Phil has been the driving force behind countless Waunakee Rotary Club initiatives, including the beloved Waunakee Rotary Lights. Known for being the first to arrive and the last to leave, his leadership and generosity have inspired countless others to get involved and give back. This award honors not only his service in uniform but also his unwavering commitment to making Waunakee a stronger, brighter, and more connected community.

Could You Be Wisconsin’s 2026 Hero of the Year?

Do you know a Wisconsin hero whose extraordinary service deserves statewide recognition? Someone who has gone above and beyond their call of duty to serve others with exceptional courage and dedication?
Submit Hero Nomination Form

Our Rigorous Selection Process

Our expert selection committee, comprised of distinguished veterans, community leaders, and previous award recipients, follows a comprehensive evaluation process to ensure Wisconsin’s most deserving hero receives this prestigious recognition.

1

Nomination Review

Applications are checked for completeness and eligibility.

2

Detailed Evaluation

Committee assesses community impact, sacrifice, leadership, and alignment with hero criteria.

3

Reference Verification

Colleagues, supervisors, or community members may be contacted for supporting testimony.

4

Committee Deliberation

Finalists are selected and discussed in detail.

5

Final Selection

A unanimous vote confirms the Wisconsin Hero of the Year.

6

Recognition Ceremony

The winner is honored at a statewide ceremony hosted by Reward Our Heroes™, recognized in Wisconsin media, and presented with a cash award.

Eligible Wisconsin Hero Categories

Ready to recognize a Wisconsin hero who deserves to be celebrated?

🎖️

Military & Veterans

Active duty, National Guard, reserves, and veterans who have demonstrated extraordinary service to Wisconsin communities beyond their military obligations.

👮

Law Enforcement

Police officers, sheriff’s deputies, state patrol, and corrections officers who have gone above and beyond to protect and serve Wisconsin communities.

🚒

Firefighters

Career and volunteer firefighters who have demonstrated exceptional bravery, leadership, and community service beyond their firefighting duties.

🚑

EMS & Paramedics

Emergency medical professionals who have provided exceptional life-saving care and community service beyond their regular emergency response duties.

🏥

Healthcare Workers

Doctors, nurses, healthcare professionals who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to patient care and community health beyond their clinical responsibilities.

📚

Teachers & Educators

Educators who have made extraordinary contributions to student success and community development far beyond their classroom teaching responsibilities.

Submit Your Nomination

Ready to nominate Wisconsin’s next Hero of the Year? Help us recognize extraordinary service and dedication!

⏰ Deadline Reminder

All nominations must be submitted by February 28, 2026
Submit Hero oF THE YEAR Nomination

Reward Our Heroes™ – Wisconsin Hero of the Year FAQs

The Wisconsin Hero of the Year Award is the highest recognition given by Reward Our Heroes™, honoring one extraordinary individual who goes above and beyond in service to their community.

Any Wisconsin veteran, law enforcement officer, firefighter, EMS professional, healthcare worker, teacher, or Gold Star/Fallen Hero family member can be nominated.

Yes. Every Wisconsin Hero of the Month winner is automatically considered for the Hero of the Year Award

Yes. Nominations are open statewide, and anyone can submit a nomination for the Wisconsin Hero of the Year Award, whether or not the nominee was previously recognized.

You can submit a nomination online at RewardOurHeroes.com by completing the nomination form and sharing details about why your nominee deserves recognition.

The selection committee reviews nominations based on dedication, courage, community service, impact, and overall heroism.

The Hero of the Year is announced annually, following a review of all nominations and Hero of the Month recipients from across Wisconsin.

The winner is recognized statewide through Reward Our Heroes™, featured in media, honored at an award ceremony, and presented with a $1,000 award.

No. Nominations for the Wisconsin Hero of the Year Award are free and open to the public.

Yes. You can nominate the same Wisconsin hero for both awards. If they are selected as a Hero of the Month, they are automatically eligible for Hero of the Year.

Contact Reward Our Heroes™ Wisconsin

Questions about the Hero of the Year Award? Need assistance with your nomination?

Contact Us

info@rewardourheroes.com
(608) 492-0515
Serving Wisconsin Heroes Statewide:
Madison • Milwaukee • Waunakee • Green Bay • All Wisconsin Communities
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