WASHINGTON – 1 June – LAWFUEL – The Law News Network – The Department of Justice today called for nominations for the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor, the highest national award for valor by a public safety officer. The President awards the medal to public safety officers who have exhibited exceptional courage.
Nominations are now being accepted for exceptional acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty accomplished between June 1, 2004 and May 31, 2005. Public safety officers include those living or deceased, serving or having served in a public agency, with or without compensation, as a firefighter; law enforcement officer, which includes corrections or court officers, a civil defense officer, and an emergency services officer, as determined by the Attorney General. The deadline for receipt of nominations is July 31, 2005.
The Medal of Valor Review Board includes representatives of the public safety community and the public. The board is appointed by the President, the Senate Majority and Minority Leaders, and the Speaker of the House and the Minority Leader.
Additional information on the Medal of Valor, including the nomination form and procedures, is located on the Office of Justice Programs’ website at www.ojp.usdoj.gov .
The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to prevent and control crime, administer justice, and assist victims. OJP is headed by an Assistant Attorney General and comprises five component bureaus and two offices: the Bureau of Justice Assistance; the Bureau of Justice Statistics; the National Institute of Justice; the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; and Office for Victims of Crime, as well as the Office of the Police Corps and Law Enforcement Education and the Community Capacity Development Office, which incorporates the Weed and Seed strategy and OJP’s American Indian and Alaska Native Affairs Desk.
