Gov. Ducey creates Arizona Medal of Valor for safety personnel heroism

PHOENIX – Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signed an executive order Monday creating the Arizona Medal of Valor to honor heroic actions by the state’s public safety personnel.

Today I signed an Executive Order creating the Arizona Medal of Valor. An official way for our state to honor the service and sacrifice of Arizona’s finest men and women. Read: https://t.co/ZplFyJhqPl https://t.co/zXEzWwBhCD

— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) August 6, 2018

Peace officers, firefighters, first responders or any other law enforcers — living or deceased — who display “extraordinary valor, courageousness or heroism while serving in an official capacity” can be nominated for the medal, the order said.

“Every day Arizona’s law enforcement personnel and first responders take risks and face dangers to protect public safety and keep the peace, and our state is grateful for their bravery in the line of duty,” Ducey said in a news release.

“Too often we take their sacrifice for granted, and we should all feel inspired to share our appreciation for them daily. The Arizona Medal of Valor is another way to honor them for their courageousness and heroism.”

The Arizona Department of Public Safety was directed to develop nominating criteria for the award within 30 days of the order.

A six-member board will review nominations, which can be submitted only by the governor, the director of the nominee’s agency or the review board.

The board will consist of a member of the governor’s office, the DPS director, the Department of Forestry and Fire Management director, the Arizona Peace Personnel Standards and Training Board chair and a police and fire chief.

The police and fire chiefs have to come from different counties and will be appointed by the governor to terms of two years.

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