DOJ Accepting Nominations for Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor 

May 28, 2009 – The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is accepting nominations for the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor . This medal is the highest national award that can be bestowed on a civilian public safety officer. It is awarded by the president of the United States to officers who have exhibited extraordinary courage, regardless of personal safety, in the attempt to save or protect human life.

"We depend on public safety officers for our safety and security -- and they return our trust by standing guard on our nation's frontlines, working to ensure the safety of its citizens," says Attorney General Eric Holder Jr. "Every day, in ways that never make the front page, public safety officers put themselves at risk. We must honor these heroes appropriately."

Under the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Act, up to five awards are presented each year. To be considered for the 2009 Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor, an officer must be nominated for actions that occurred between June 1, 2008, and May 31, 2009. Nominations must be submitted online by the chief executive officer of the nominee's employing department no later than 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on July 31, 2009.

All nominations meeting submission requirements will be considered by the Medal of Valor Review Board, composed of current and former state and local public safety officials. The Review Board will recommend award recipients to the attorney general and the president.

For more information about the Medal of Valor, click here.