PURPOSE:
It is the policy of the Utah Peace Officers Association to recognize those acts by law enforcement personnel and citizens who merit special attention.
POLICY:
It is the policy of the Utah Peace Officers Association:
A. To recognize those acts by a private citizen or a member of a Utah law enforcement agency whose meritorious actions have benefitted Utah law enforcement or made a substantial contribution to public safety.
B. Recognition of meritorious acts may come from citizens. Any member of the Utah Peace Officers Association can make a nomination who has knowledge of an act or service which is deserving of such recognition.
C. Members who distinguish themselves by heroic action or meritorious service above and beyond the call of duty shall receive medals.
AWARDS:
MEDAL OF HONOR:
A. The Medal of Honor is the Utah Peace Officers Association’s highest award and shall be awarded only in exceptional cases when a hazardous duty is performed by a Utah law enforcement officer. The hazardous duty shall involve an obvious life threatening situation and the act must be of such a nature that is beyond that expected in the line of duty.
B. The criteria for awarding the Medal of Honor shall include:
1. Outstanding bravery beyond that expected in the line of duty.
2. Actions for which failure to take such action would not justify censure;
3. Actions for which the risk of life actually existed and the member had sufficient time to evaluate it;
4. Actions for which the objective is of sufficient importance to justify the risk, and
5. The member accomplishes the objective or is prevented from doing so by incurring a disabling injury or death.
MEDAL OF VALOR:
A. The Medal of Valor is awarded by the Utah Peace Officers Association for outstanding service and conspicuous bravery in the line of duty.
B. This award shall be considered when the circumstances do not fall within the provisions required for a Medal of Honor.
C. The criteria for awarding the Medal of Valor shall include actions:
1. Where the member manifests outstanding bravery in the performance of duty under circumstances not within the provisions required for a Medal of Honor;
2. Where the member risks loss of life with knowledge of the danger involved, or where a reasonable person would assume his life or safety was in great danger;
3. Where the members objective is of a sufficient importance to justify the risk; and
4. Where the member accomplishes the objective or is prevented from doing so by circumstances beyond his control.
PURPLE HEART:
A. This medal is awarded to a Utah law enforcement officer, who, in the line of duty:
B. The criteria for awarding the Purple Heart is as follows:
1. Sustained wounds inflicted intentionally by an armed offender or adversary and which results in a severe puncture wound, laceration, fracture or contusion; or
2. Is seriously injured by an unarmed offender or other adversity.
OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARD:
A. The Officer of the Year Award is given by the Utah Peace Officers Association for outstanding service to the citizens of the State of Utah.
1. For multiple acts of courage and bravery, where there exists a life threatening situation, or the potential risk thereof.
2. For a Peace Officer’s unparalleled desire and dedication to serve the public above and beyond that which is expected, expressed by ones monumental service.
3. This award may be given for a single act or episode of noteworthiness when accompanied by documentation specifying an act of exceptional dedication to duty.
PRESIDENT’S AWARD:
A. This award is left open for the President’s discretion to be given out as he sees fit. This award does not need board approval.
1. For acts of bravery during the performance of duties;
2. For service with distinction under extraordinary circumstances during a major emergency or special operation;
3. For other exceptional service to the Utah Peace Officers Association;
CITIZENS CERTIFICATE OF MERIT:
A. The Citizens Certificate of Merit is the highest award given by the Utah Peace Officers Association to a citizen and shall be awarded only in exceptional cases when a hazardous act is performed by a citizen assisting a law enforcement agency.
1. The hazardous act shall involve an obvious life-threatening situation.
2. Outstanding bravery above and beyond that expected by the normal citizen.
3. Actions for which failure to take such action would not justify censure.
4. Actions for which the risk of life actually existed and the citizen had sufficient time to evaluate it.
5. Actions for which the objective is of sufficient importance to justify the risk.
6. The citizen accomplishes the objective or is prevented from same by incurring a disabling injury or death.
CITIZENS CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION:
A. This certificate shall be awarded to private citizens whose help or contributions furthered the cause of the Utah Peace Officers Association.
NOMINATION PROCEDURE:
A. Except for the President’s Award, nominations for an award or certificate to a Peace Officer or a citizen may be made by any Peace Officer who has knowledge of an act or service which is deserving of such recognition.
1. Nominations shall be made by completing a Nomination Award Form.
2. The person making the nomination shall be responsible for completion of the form and attaching corresponding reports or other material substantiating the nomination.
3. The nomination shall be prepared in typewritten form and forwarded to a regional representative.
4. The regional representative receiving the nomination shall review the nomination for completeness and accuracy and attach copies of all applicable reports to the form and forward the package to the Awards Committee.
5. The Awards Committee shall review the nomination as to whether an award is appropriate, and if so, the specific award to be presented.
B. The President’s Award shall not follow this procedure.
1. While there shall be no nomination procedure for the President’s Award, suggestions and recommendation may be considered.
DUTY TO REPORT:
It shall be the duty of all members to report to their regional representative acts worthy of commendation.
PRESENTATION OF AWARDS:
A. In an attempt to make awards more meaningful to the recipient, it is recommended that whenever possible and appropriate, an award be presented as soon as possible after the event and in the recipients home community.
B. It is further recommended that the news media be advised of and included in the award presentation if they so desire.
C. Annual or other special awards may be presented at Conventions, Board meetings, or other suitable times and places.
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UTAH PEACE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
NOMINATION FOR COMMENDATION OR AWARD NOMINATION FORM
[ ] MEDAL OF HONOR [ ] MEDAL OF VALOR
[ ] PURPLE HEART [ ] OFFICER OF THE YEAR
[ ] PRESIDENT’S AWARD [ ] CITIZENS CERTIFICATE
[ ] CITIZENS CERTIFICATE OF MERIT OF APPRECIATION
Person Nominated:________________________________________________________
Agency Employed at/Address: ________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Nominated by:___________________________________________________________
Detail the outstanding action(s) of the Nominee:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Attach corresponding reports or other material substantiating the nomination.
__________________________ ____________ ___________________________________
REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE Date AWARDS COMMITTEE Date
______________________________________
BOARD APPROVAL Date