The Colorado Parks and Wildlife officer involved in a hostage situation near Dinosaur on March 9, 2015, has been recognized for his actions on that day.

Officer Nathan Martinez was honored by the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for his bravery with the Pogue-Elms Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award.

Martinez and Moffat County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Bhrent Shock were disarmed and held at gunpoint by James Damon and Georgie Hand last year.

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A struggle was initiated by Martinez, and Shock quickly joined. At the end of the fight, Damon was dead from a gunshot to the head, fired by Martinez, and Hand was taken into custody.

In court, both of the of the officers testified that they believed Damon intended to execute them.

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Martinez testified that when Damon put a gun in his face, he feared for his life. Hand also had a gun pointed at him, he said in court.

Despite being on his knees with a gun to his head, Martinez said he was not going out without a fight.

“I remember just saying in my head, ‘go,’” he told the jury during Hand’s trial.

Hand was convicted of all charges brought against her and was sentenced to serve 82 years in a Colorado Department of Corrections Facility.

According to a news release from CPW, if Martinez had not acted, the two officers would likely be dead.

“This award recognizes Nate’s quick response and bravery, as qualities to be emulated by others when faced with similar scenarios.” said Bob Broscheid, CPW’s Director in a statement. “Nate reacted exactly as trained, and we couldn’t be more proud of him.”