A Letter from the Commision Chair

The Law Enforcement Medal of Honor was created as the highest award given in the name of the State of Oregon to recognize and honor those who have performed their duties with exceptionally meritorious conduct: Going above and beyond-an act of bravery and self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above their comrades. The Law Enforcement Medal of Honor goes beyond recognizing the everyday heroic actions of the men and women in law enforcement; it is intended to serve as the highest possible standard for exceptional conduct for members of the profession. The creation of the Oregon Law Enforcement Medal of Honor is a tribute to the courageous and selfless acts of generations of law enforcement officers. It is fitting that the Governor, on behalf of the citizens, recognizes officers who have distinguished themselves by performing their duties with exceptional and honorable meritorious conduct.

Respectfully submitted,

Kenneth D. Johnson,
Chair Governors Commission on the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor
Chief of Police, Fairview Police Department

Rules and Qualifications for Awarding the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor

This is a synopsis of the law. Full text may be found in ORS 176.260 and OAR 259-008-0100.

Who is Eligible for Nomination

The following classifications of public safety personnel are eligible to receive the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor:

• Police Officer (Full-Time or Reserve)
• Corrections Officer
• Parole or Probation Officer

Eligible personnel include any state, county, municipal, federal or tribal individual who is:

• Commissioned; and
• Responsible for enforcing criminal laws in the state of Oregon.

Criteria For Nomination

Officers who have distinguished themselves by exceptionally honorable and meritorious conduct while in the performance of duty.

• Exceptionally honorable and meritorious conduct means: An officer has distinguished themselves conspicuously by gallantry and fortitude at the risk of their life “above and beyond” the call of duty while performing or fulfilling their responsibilities as a law enforcement officer. It involves risk of life and is an act of bravery, self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above their comrades.
• While in the performance of duty requires acting in an official capacity and performing a law enforcement function.

Time Lines

• The exceptionally honorable and meritorious conduct must have occurred on or after January 1, 2006. This includes medals awarded posthumously.
• All nominations must be postmarked no later than one year after the date an officer has performed exceptionally honorable and meritorious conduct.

Nomination Process

• All nominations must be submitted in writing to the Secretary of the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Commission.
• All nominations must be presented on an official nomination form.
• All nominations must be endorsed by the chief law enforcement officer of the department or agency of the nominee.
• All nominations must receive a unanimous vote by the Commission.
• A Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Commissioner is prohibited from voting on any nomination submitted from their employing agency. The Commission may achieve a unanimous vote by obtaining a majority vote in instances when a Commission vacancy occurs or a Commission member has been excused from voting.
• Any and all documentation, which includes, but is not limited to, police reports, media reports, pictures, testimonials or affidavits, must accompany the nomination. If necessary, the Commission may request additional information. The request will be in writing and addressed to the individual identified as the contributor on an official nomination form.

Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Award

• All awards will be presented by the Governor or his/her designee, at an appropriate time determined by the Commission.
• An individual receiving the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Award (or survivor) will retain the option for a public or private ceremony.
• The costs of awards and medals and the costs associated with a ceremony honoring persons receiving an award shall be paid out of the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Account established in ORS 176.264.
• The Commission will meet no less than once every six months to consider candidates for nomination for the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor, unless no nominations have been received by the Commission during a six month period.
• The Commission will determine the protocol for all award ceremonies.
• The Commission retains sole authority to approve administrative rule changes relating to the law enforcement medal of honor.