Awards :: VBgov.com - City of Virginia Beach

Awards & Recognition

Fundamentally, law enforcement service awards are for the purpose of publicly recognizing and rewarding extraordinary, exceptionally meritorious or conspicuously outstanding acts of heroism and other acts, which are above and beyond those normally expected, and which distinguish the individual among those performing similar acts. Superior performance by an individual of his normal duties over an extended period of time is not necessarily the basis for an award. The individual must have brought distinction on themselves of the Department of Police by such an act. Click on the links below to see different awards and medals.

Medal of Valor

Awarded to any sworn or ancillary member of the Department of Police or other law enforcement agency who distinguishes themselves conspicuously by gallantry and at the risk of their his life. The Medal of Valor is a Maltese cross medallion.

The Virginia Beach City Seal is affixed to the center, is underscored with "Medal of Valor" and is crowned with laurel branches and three stars. The medal is suspended from a clasp by a blue draped ribbon. Award recipients will receive the medal itself, a service ribbon commensurate with the award and a certificate embossed with the insignia of the actual medal. The service ribbon will be blue enamel enclosing a gold star. The certificate will be framed and include the recipient's name and rank, as well as the date of the award was presented and a brief description of the act which justifies the award.

Silver Cross Medal

Awarded to any sworn or ancillary member of the Department of Police or other law enforcement agency who distinguishes himself themselves by extraordinary bravery not justifying the Medal of Valor award.

Medal of Merit

Awarded to any sworn or ancillary member of the Department of Police or other law enforcement agency who distinguishes themselves by performing his duties in a manner that clearly exceeds what is normally required or expected or for a highly creditable police accomplishment.

Blue Star Medal

Awarded to any sworn or ancillary member of the Department of Police who has been killed, wounded or injured in the performance of their duties. The Blue Star is similar equivalent to the U.S. Government's Purple Heart.

The Medal of Merit is a Maltese cross medallion. The Virginia Beach City Seal is affixed to the center, is underscored with "Blue Star" and is crowned with laurel branches and three stars. The medal is suspended from a clasp by a blue and white draped ribbon. Award recipients will receive the medal itself, a service ribbon commensurate with the award, and a certificate embossed with the insignia of the actual medal. The service ribbon will be enamel, and blue and white in color. The certificate will be framed and include the recipient's name and rank, as well as the date of the award was presented and a brief description of the act which justifies the award.

Life Saving Medal

Awarded to any sworn or ancillary member of the Department of Police or any other law enforcement agency who distinguishes himself by performing extraordinary physical acts or renders life saving techniques to aid in the preservation of a human life. Only one award can be given for each instance, regardless of the number of lives saved.

Special Commendation Award

Awarded to any member of the Department of Police or any other law enforcement agency for an act or achievement above that which is normally required or expected.

Examples of such acts are, but not limited to:

An individual provides information that leads to the arrest or actually makes the arrest of a suspect(s) in a felony case or multiple misdemeanor cases.
For outstanding self-initiated performance which is of considerable benefit to the department and/or the community.

Voluntary assistance in an emergency situation (i.e., disasters, hurricanes, snow storms, floods, etc.)
Those who have materially or conceptually contributed significantly to the safety of the community or the well-being of persons in the community (i.e., contribution, purchase or donation of equipment, etc.).

The award will consist of a framed certificate, which will include the recipient's name and rank, as well as the date the award was presented and a brief description of the act which justifies the award.

Citizen's Award

Commendation Award:

Awarded to a citizen who performs some act involving personal danger above and beyond that which is normally expected of a citizen. The award will consist of a framed certificate and which will include the name of the recipient, the date of the award, and a brief description of the act which justifies the award.

Meritorious Public Service Award:

Awarded to a citizen for an act which materially contributes to a police accomplishment in the field of traffic safety, crime prevention, criminal apprehension or police/community relations. The award will consist of a framed certificate which will include the name of the recipient, the date of the award, and a brief description of the act which justifies the award.

Life Saving Award:

Awarded to a citizen for performing an extraordinary physical act or rendering life saving techniques to aid in the preservation of a human life. The award will consist of a framed certificate which will include the name of the recipient, the date the award was presented, and a brief description of the act which justifies the award.