Public Service & Heroism Awards

The Law Enforcement Commendation Medal is presented to those who have served with distinction and devotion in the field of law enforcement. The medal is intended to recognize exceptional service or accomplishment in the field of law enforcement. Eligibility is not limited to peace officers but extends to the entire range of persons who make and enforce the law to include but not limited to peace officers, attorneys, judges, prosecutors, and legislators who have performed an exceptional act or service beyond that normally expected. The medal may be presented posthumously.

The Fire Safety Commendation Medal is presented to an individual for accomplishments and/or outstanding contributions in an area of fire safety and service. The award is not limited to fire fighters. It may be presented to recognize a variety of fire safety and service that has evolved into a highly technical and skilled profession with constant study, development, and involvement by numerous dedicated citizens with a single goal – protect human life and property by preventing injuries or causalities due to fire and chemicals. The medal may be presented posthumously.

The Emergency Medical Services Commendation Medal is presented to an individual for accomplishments and/or outstanding contributions in an area of emergency medical service. The award is intended for paramedics and certified Emergency Medical Technicians and others in the emergency medical field who have performed an act or service beyond that normally expected. The medal may be presented posthumously.

The Heroism Medal recognizes outstanding bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of imminent danger, that is, acts which involve great personal courage and risk to the recipient. It is intended primarily for acts by civilians not in uniform but does not exclude police, firemen, and SAR members. It is not intended to recognize acts that would have been covered by Armed Forces medals for Valor. The medal may be presented posthumously.

The Life Saving Medal is intended primarily for acts by civilians not in uniform, however, police officers, fire fighters, emergency medical personnel, lifeguards, and SAR Compatriots are not excluded from receiving this award. Th medal is not intended to recognize acts that would otherwise qualify for military or another organization’s valor medal and, in all cases, the fact that the actions of the rescuer saved the life of the victim must be validated by EMS or medical personnel. The medal is intended to recognize actions of any person: (1) who was directly responsible for the saving of a human life or (2) who prolonged a human life to the extent that the victim was still alive upon transfer to the care of medical authorities, even though the victim might expire later. Only one award will be awarded for each incident regardless of the number of victims involved. Nominations will not be considered after a lapse of 24 months of the incident. The medal may be presented posthumously.