Department of Public Safety News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 22, 2011

Deadline is approaching for nominations for Missouri's highest award for public safety officers

Medal of Valor nomination deadline is March 31st
The deadline is quickly approaching for nominations for Missouri's annual Medal of Valor award, honoring extraordinary valor above and beyond the call of duty by a public safety officer. The nomination deadline for recognition of acts of valor during 2010 is March 31.
Missouri's Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor is awarded annually to public safety officers who exhibit "exceptional courage, extraordinary decisiveness and presence of mind, and unusual swiftness of action, regardless of his or her own personal safety, in the attempt to save or protect human life."
Roger D. Stottlemyre, chairman of the Missouri Medal of Valor Review Board, is encouraging public safety leaders across the state to nominate deserving employees for the award. "This is the highest award for valor by a public safety officer, and a great way of honoring those outstanding individuals who exhibit heroism in attempts to save the lives of their fellow Missourians," said Stottlemyre, a former superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol and currently executive director of the Missouri Gaming Commission. "This award also allows recipients to be recognized by Gov. Jay Nixon and the public for their extraordinary actions above and beyond the call of duty."
Seven Medals of Valor were awarded last year for actions in 2009, which is the maximum number of medals authorized each year for persons serving a public agency, with or without compensation, as a firefighter, law enforcement officer or emergency personnel. State and local corrections, court and civil defense officers are also eligible.
The Department of Public Safety will receive applications and forward them to the Missouri Medal of Valor Review Board. Applications are available on the DPS website at: www.dps.mo.gov.  Because original signatures are required, applications must be printed and mailed to:
State of Missouri, MO DPS Medal of Valor Review Board 301 West High Street, Room 870 Jefferson City, MO 65102   

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For more information, call 573-751-5432 or e-mail mike.oconnell@dps.mo.gov