DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ANNOUNCES NEW MEDAL OF VALOR REVIEW BOARD MEMBER

South Burlington Police Chief Trevor Whipple Appointed

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Justice today announced the appointment of Police Chief Trevor Whipple to the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Review Board. Whipple currently serves as Chief of Police for the South Burlington Police Department.

“Chief Whipple has devoted his entire career to the service and protection of Vermont citizens,” said Jeffrey L. Sedgwick, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs (OJP). “He is a committed professional who has served not only as a law enforcement officer, but also as an emergency responder. His valued experience will benefit the Board and we are pleased with his appointment.”

The Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Review Board was established by the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Act which created the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor, the highest national award for valor by a public safety officer. The Medal of Valor is awarded by the President to public safety officers cited by the Attorney General and recommended by the Medal of Valor Review Board. The eleven-member board is appointed by the President, the Majority and Minority Leaders of the U.S. Senate, and the Speaker and the Minority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives. The board, which comprises representatives of the public safety community and the general public, reviews Medal of Valor nominations and recommends individuals for recognition.

The Office of Justice Programs, headed by Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey L. Sedgwick, provides federal leadership in developing the nation's capacity to prevent and control crime, administer justice, and assist victims. OJP has five component bureaus: the Bureau of Justice Assistance; the Bureau of Justice Statistics; the National Institute of Justice; the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; and the Office for Victims of Crime. Additionally, OJP has two program offices: the Community Capacity Development Office, which incorporates the Weed and Seed strategy, and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking (SMART). More information can be found at https://ojp.gov.

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