******MEDIA ADVISORY******

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
2008 - 2009 PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER MEDAL OF VALOR

WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs is accepting nominations beginning today for the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor, the highest national award for valor by a public safety officer. The medal is awarded by the President to public safety officers cited by the Attorney General who have exhibited exceptional courage in protecting or saving lives.

WHAT:	2008-2009 Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Nominations Online Form at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/medalofvalor
NOMINATION PERIOD:	May 29 to 8:00 PM, EDT, July 31, 2009
CRITERIA:	Acts of Valor performed from June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2009 by public safety officers nominated by the chief executive of their employing agencies
REFERENCES:	Additional information about the Medal of Valor and those honored for their acts of courage is available on the Medal of Valor website at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/medalofvalor

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