Nominating Someone to Receive the Medal of Valor
To honor actions above and beyond the call of duty, Congress passed The Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Act of 2001, which created the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor. The President or Vice President awards the medal annually to public safety officers who have exhibited exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, in the attempt to save or protect human life. The Attorney General designated the Office of Justice Programs’ Assistant Attorney General to serve as the federal point of contact for the Medal of Valor initiative. OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance assists in overseeing the Initiative.
“These individuals exhibit bravery that is almost superhuman. They run toward danger—even when every natural extinct tells them to flee—to save lives and ensure community safety,” says BJA Acting Director Michael Costigan. “BJA is extremely proud to operate programs to honor the very best of our public safety officers.”
To receive the Medal of Valor, public safety officers must be nominated by the chief executive officer of their employing agencies, recommended by the bipartisan Medal of Valor Review Board and cited by the Attorney General.
The 2019-2020 MOV nomination period is now open. Nominations must be submitted no later than July 31 through the online Medal of Valor Nomination System.