This file is provided for reference purposes only. It was current when produced, but is no longer maintained and may now be outdated. Please send an email for questions or for further information.
OJP Press Release letterhead

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, July 15, 2003
https://ojp.gov/
Contact: Joan LaRocca
202-307-0703

ATTORNEY GENERAL CALLS FOR NOMINATIONS
FOR HIGHEST PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER AWARD

    WASHINGTON, D.C. ? The Justice Department is accepting nominations through August 15, 2003, for the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor, the highest national award for valor by a public safety officer. The medal is awarded annually by the President to public safety officers cited by the Attorney General, who have exhibited exceptional courage in the attempt to save or protect human life.

    ?As a nation, we owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women who risk their lives to protect and defend others in their own communities,? said Attorney General John Ashcroft. ?This Medal of Valor recognizes the sacrifices and bravery made by every safety officer.?

    Nominations are now being accepted for exceptional acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty accomplished between June 1, 2002 through May 31, 2003. The deadline for receipt of nominations is Friday, August 15, 2003. The Medal of Valor Board, composed of representatives of the public safety community and the general public, and appointed by the President, the Majority and Minority Leaders of the U.S. Senate, and the Speaker and the Minority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives, will review all nominations and recommend individuals for recognition.

    Additional information on the Medal of Valor, including the nomination form and procedures, is located on the Office of Justice Programs? Web site 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 5 component bureaus and 2 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 the Office for Victims of Crime, as well as the Executive Office for Weed and Seed, and the Office of the Police Corps and Law Enforcement Education. Information about OJP programs, publications, and conferences is available on the OJP Web site, www.ojp.usdoj.gov.

# # #

OJP03121