Lexipol, the leading provider of solutions that support total readiness in public safety, has been named a finalist in four categories in the 2026 SIIA Jesse H. Neal Awards, recognizing outstanding journalism across Lexipol Media Group’s industry news sites.
The Jesse H. Neal Awards recognize the highest standard of excellence in business-to-business journalism. Finalists are selected through a rigorous peer-judging process that evaluates the quality, relevance, and impact of editorial content across digital and traditional platforms.
Lexipol Media Group’s 2026 finalists include:
- Best Commentary – Police1: Terrorism Series
Authored by Paul Goldenberg and edited by Nancy Perry, director of content, this urgent commentary series examines evolving terrorist threats, including weaponized drones, vehicle-based attacks and the resurgence of sleeper cells operating within North America. Goldenberg translates complex global intelligence into practical guidance for local police leaders, bridging the gap between international security risks and street-level preparedness. The series challenges agencies to address legislative gaps, training deficiencies and emerging technology threats before they result in tragedy.
- Best Headlines – EMS1: Headlines That Connect Readers to the Human Side of EMS
Led by Bill Carey, associate editor, and Sarah Roebuck, senior news editor, EMS1’s headline strategy demonstrates how powerful framing can drive engagement while honoring the integrity of the profession. From stories about disciplined medics who saved a life to viral incidents sparking ethical debate, these headlines spotlight the courage, complexity and accountability within emergency medical services. The results were measurable, with engagement far exceeding site averages and sparking nationwide conversation about the culture and humanity of EMS.
- Best Headlines – Police1: Headlines Connecting Readers to the Realities of Modern Policing
Led by Joanna Putman, associate editor, and Sarah Roebuck, senior news editor, Police1’s headlines cut through political noise to capture the empathy and accountability that define modern law enforcement. Covering complex issues such as immigration enforcement shifts, local government controversy, and the line-of-duty death of an officer, these headlines balanced precision with humanity. Each significantly outperformed engagement benchmarks, reinforcing the power of thoughtful headline writing to drive informed discussion across the profession.
- Best Single Article – Police1: “The selfie that proved a cop died in the line of duty”
Written by Kathleen Dias and edited by Nancy Perry, director of content, this investigative feature tells the story of Washington, D.C., officer Jeffrey Smith, who died by suicide after responding to the January 6 Capitol riot. Through extensive reporting and powerful storytelling, the article examines the systemic challenges surrounding duty-related trauma and the landmark effort to recognize Smith’s death as service-connected. The piece broke stigma, elevated national awareness of invisible wounds in policing, and underscored the lasting impact of investigative journalism on policy and public understanding.
“We are honored to see our journalists recognized across multiple categories in this year’s Neal Awards,” said Lexipol Media Group President Rob Schneider. “Each finalist reflects our commitment to delivering journalism that informs and supports the public safety profession. This recognition is a credit to the writers, editors, and creatives who work every day to elevate the voices and experiences of first responders.”
Generating an average of 3 million page views each month and reaching more than 700,000 subscribers, Lexipol Media Group’s brands – Police1, FireRescue1, EMS1, Corrections1 and Gov1 – play a central role in informing and supporting the public safety profession.
Winners of the 2026 Jesse H. Neal Awards will be announced on April 21 at the annual awards luncheon in New York City. To view the full list of finalists, visit the Neal Awards website.
