By Police1 Staff
WASHINGTON ― The nominating period for the 2015-2016 Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor is open until July 31.
Created in 2001 by Congress, the Medal of Valor this is the highest national award for valor by a public safety officer. It is awarded by the president or vice president, along with the attorney general, to public safety officers who have exhibited exceptional courage.
On May 16, President Obama presented the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 Medal of Valor to 13 public safety officers for their heroic actions. Obama described public service as the “highest form of citizenship” during the White House ceremony.
“The men and women who run toward danger remind us with your courage and humility what the highest form of citizenship looks like,” Obama said. “When you see students and commuters and shoppers at risk, you don’t see these civilians as strangers. You see them as part of your own family, your own community.
“The Scripture teaches us, you love your neighbor as yourself. And you put others’ safety before your own. In your proud example of public service, you remind us that loving our country means loving one another.”
A public safety officer is a person (living or deceased) who is serving or has served in a public agency, with or without compensation, as a firefighter, law enforcement officer — including a corrections, court or civil defense officer — or emergency services officer, as determined by the U.S. attorney general.
An act of valor is an action above and beyond the call of duty and exhibiting:
- Exceptional courage, extraordinary decisiveness and presence of mind.
- Unusual swiftness of action, regardless of his or her personal safety, in an attempt to save or protect human life.
Public safety officers must be nominated by the chief executive officer of their employing agencies on or before July 31, recommended by the bipartisan MOV Review Board and cited by the attorney general.