White House Honors 13 Law Enforcement Officers for Acts of Valor

(Washington DC)  On Monday, May 16, 2016 the White House held its Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor ceremony.  The event was held with the White House and was attended by the President and Attorney General Loretta Lynch among other VIPs.  The awards were presented by President Obama to 13 awardees selected for years 2013-2014 and 2014-2015.

The Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor, authorized by the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Act of 2001, is the highest national award for valor presented to a public safety officer. The medal is awarded to public safety officers who have exhibited exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, in the attempt to save or protect human life.

The Medal of Valor is awarded by the President of the United States, or his designee, to public safety officers cited by the Attorney General. Public safety officers are nominated by the chiefs or directors of their employing agencies and recommended by the Medal of Valor Review Board.

The official White House press release which names the awardees and their agencies can be found at: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/05/13/advisory-president-obama-award-medals-valor

HAPCOA was invited to send 16 representatives to attend the morning long event.  HAPCOA supporters who attended included Executive Director Anthony Chapa, Nelson Garabito, Luis Rodriguez, Luis Torres, Michael Rubin, Juan Damian, Miguel Core and a host of supporting members.

Photo:  President Obama addresses Medal of Valor awardees, their families and guests at the White House.

Photo:  Santa Monica College PD and City of Santa Monica PD Officers were awarded the Medal of Valor.   These officers were recognized for their actions in response to a 2013 rampage on campus that left five people dead.

Photo:  Executive Director Chapa with Dallas PD Officers (who are also members of the National Latino Law Enforcement Organization) who attended the White House event.