Commendation / Service Awards

Section 1 - ADMINISTRATIVE

To foster pride in the Fire Rescue Department through the recognition of personnel who have excelled in the performance of their duty.

Nomination Procedures

It shall be the privilege of any employee to nominate a person or group of people for recognition as an award recipient.
All nominations shall be submitted via email with the subject line "Nomination for Award” and forwarded, via the Chain of Command, to the Assistant Fire Chief no later than 30 days after the event or incident has occurred. Supporting information, i.e., photos, drawings, video, may be attached to the nomination form.
Fire Administration will review nominations at their next regularly scheduled staff meeting and by a majority vote of the members, shall make a recommendation as to the appropriate award to be issued. Recommendations shall be forwarded to the Fire Chief for final approval.

Awards and Requirements

Medal of Honor
- Criteria: To receive the Medal of Honor, the firefighter must be a member of the department who, in the performance of duty while on a call, under extreme hazardous conditions, in which the member is confronted with imminent personal risk, and has full knowledge of that risk, performs an act of conspicuous heroism which furthers the highest traditions of the fire service.

Medal of Valor
- Criteria: To receive the Medal of Valor, the firefighter must be a member of the department who, in the performance of duty while on a call, under hazardous conditions, in which the member is confronted with imminent personal risk, but had no prior knowledge of that risk, performs an act of conspicuous heroism which furthers the highest traditions of the fire service.
Medal for Bravery
- Criteria: To receive the Medal for Bravery, the firefighter must be a member of the department who, in the performance of duty while on a call, performs an act of distinguished bravery and stamina in adverse conditions of fire, environment, weather, or materials.

Lifesaving Medal
- Criteria: To receive the Lifesaving Medal, the firefighter must be a member of the department who is principally involved in saving the life of another person and whose personal actions were directly responsible for the lifesaving act.

Purple Heart
- Criteria: The Purple Heart Medal/Commendation Bar is awarded to a member of the department for a wound received in the line of duty while observing all reasonable safety procedures that required transportation to a medical facility and subsequent treatment for severe puncture wounds, lacerations, fractures, concussions, burns or other substantial injury.
Meritorious Conduct
- Criteria: To receive the Meritorious Conduct Medal/Commendation Bar, the firefighter must be a member of the department who performs a notable act of distinction in the performance of duty and reflects the integrity and devotion shown by the recipient.

Distinguished Service
- Criteria: To receive the Distinguished Service Medal/Commendation Bar, the firefighter must be a member of the department who performs a highly unusual act of distinction under adverse conditions in the performance of duty.
Commendation
- Criteria: The Commendation Medal/Commendation Bar is awarded to a member of the department for a credible act in the line of duty which is commendable in nature, and displays admirable initiative and accomplishment.

Unit Commendation
- Criteria: The Unit Commendation is awarded to a group of members who have performed service to the department in a highly commendable manner.

Exceptional Duty
- Criteria: The Exceptional Duty Medal/Commendation Bar is awarded to a member of the department for a highly credible accomplishment bringing public acclaim to the department or fire service as a result of devotion to duty or service to the public.

Firefighter of the Year
- Criteria: The Firefighter of the Year Medal/Commendation Bar is presented to the individual as chosen by his fellow members or the chief of the department who characterizes the best attributes of being a firefighter.