NCJ Number
251697
Date Published
2018
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This brochure provides background information on the origin and qualifications for the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor, along with information on how to nominate a candidate, how a nominee is selected to receive the Model of Honor, and some examples of actions of bravery by public safety officers who have received the Medal of Valor.
Abstract
In order to honor the lives of public safety officers who risk their lives to protect residents of their communities, Congress passed the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor, the highest national award for valor by a public safety officer. It is to be awarded annually in the name of Congress by the U.S. President to public safety officers who have shown exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, in attempting to save or protect human life. Examples of the types of behavior exhibited by those who have received the Medal of Valor include actions by police officers, firefighters, and paramedics. Candidates for the Medal of Honor must be nominated by chief executive officers of their employing agencies, be recommended by the bipartisan Medal of Valor Review Board, and cited by the Attorney General. The U.S. Justice Department's Bureau of Justice Assistance administers the National Modal of Valor Office and acts as the federal point of contact for the Medal of Valor program. As required by the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), an 11-member board is appointed by the President, the Majority and Minority leaders of the U.S. Senate, and the Speaker and Minority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives. This board, which is composed of representatives of the public safety community and the general public, reviews the nominations and recommends individuals for the Medal of Valor.