Medal of Valor

Highest award for valor is merited when the following elements exist

Outstanding bravery above and beyond that expected in the line of duty.
Where failure to take such action would not justify censure.
Where risk of life actually existed and the officer had sufficient time to evaluate that risk.
Where the objective is of sufficient importance to justify the risk.
Where the officer accomplished the objective or was prevented from accomplishing the objective by incurring a disabling injury or death.

Second highest award for valor is merited when the following elements exist

Where the officer manifests outstanding bravery in the performance of duty under circumstances not within the provisions required for a Gold Medal of Valor.
Where the officer risks his or her life with full and unquestionable knowledge of the danger involved, or where a reasonable person would assume his or her life was in great danger.
Where the objective is of sufficient importance to justify the risk.
Where the officer accomplished the objective, or was prevented from accomplishing the objective by circumstances beyond his or her control.

Third highest award for valor is the Bronze Medal of Valor

The members of the Awards Committee shall evaluate the objective, the risk, and the degree of danger, and determine by their vote whether a silver or bronze medal of valor shall be granted.