Each year, we take pride in presenting our Public Service Awards, which honor the extraordinary individuals who have dedicated their time, energy, and passion to uplifting others and strengthening our community. These awards are a testament to the power of selfless service and the difference one person can make when guided by compassion, integrity, and a commitment to the common good.
The recipients of these awards embody the very best — leadership, perseverance, and a genuine desire to create positive change. Whether through volunteerism, advocacy, or professional excellence, their efforts inspire others and leave a lasting mark on the lives they touch. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and to express our gratitude for their continued contributions. Their example enriches all of us.
Our national society commemorates recipients in booklets published and distributed each year in July at the National Congress. Annual booklet of awards nationally is available to download and print for distribution within state societies and chapters on sar.org.
Awards
The Emergency Medical Services Commendation Medal is presented to an individual for accomplishments and/or outstanding contributions in the area of emergency medical services. The award is intended for paramedics, certified Emergency Medical Technicians, and others in the emergency medical fields that have performed an act or service beyond which is normally expected. The medal may be presented posthumously. The medal may be presented to an individual only once, and no Oak Leaf Clusters or ribbon attachments are permitted.
The Law Enforcement Commendation Medal is presented to those who have served with distinction and devotion in the field of law enforcement. The medal is intended to recognize exceptional service or accomplishment in the field of law enforcement. Eligibility is not limited to peace officers but extends to the entire range of persons who make and enforce the law. This includes peace officers, attorneys, judges, prosecutors and legislators who have performed an exceptional act or service beyond that normally expected. The recipients are usually recommended by their supervisors or peers for their accomplishments. The award may be presented posthumously. The medal may be presented to an individual only once. No Oak Leaf Clusters or ribbon attachments are permitted.
The Heroism Commendation Medal recognizes outstanding bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of imminent dan- ger—i.e., acts which involve great per- sonal courage and risk to the recipient. It is intended primarily for acts by civilians, not in uniform, but does not exclude police, firemen, EMS SAR members. It is not intended to recognize acts that would have been covered in the performance of one’s normal duty, nor by medals for valor by the armed forces. Animals are not eligible for recognition. The medal may also be presented posthumously. An individual may receive this medal multiple times. Presentation and the wearing of Oak Leaf Clusters shall follow the policies of the national society.
The Fire Safety Commendation Medal is presented to an individual for accomplishments and or outstanding contributions in an area of fire safety and service. The award is not limited to firefighters. It may be presented to recognize a variety of fire safety and services that have evolved into a highly technical and skilled profession with constant study, development and involvement by numerous dedicated citizens with a single goal, which is protecting human life and property by preventing injuries or casualties due to fire and chemicals. The medal may be presented posthumously. The medal may be presented to an individual only once. Oak Leaf Clusters or other ribbon attachments are not authorized.
The Life Saving Commendation Medal may be presented to those individuals who have acted to save a human life without necessarily placing their own life or themselves in imminent danger. The medal is intended primarily for acts by civilians not in uniform, however, police officers, fire fighters, emergency medical personal, lifeguards, and SAR Compatriots are not excluded from receiving this award. The medal is not intended to recognize acts that would otherwise qualify for military or another organization’s valor medals and, in all cases, the fact that the actions of the rescuer actually saved the life of the victim must be validated by EMS or medical personnel.
The medal is intended to recognize the actions of any person: (1) who was directly responsible for the saving of a human life or (2) who prolonged a human life to the extent that the victim was still alive upon transfer to the care of medical authorities even though the victim might expire at a later time. Only one award will be awarded for each incident regard- less of the number of victims involved. Nominations will not be considered after a lapse of 24 months of the incident. The medal may also be presented posthumously. Subsequent Presentation Authorized: A Compatriot may receive this medal multiple times. Presentation and wearing of Oak Leaf Clusters shall follow the policies of the national society.
Resources and Contacts
Special Recognitions
Special recognition is given to the following chapters and societies for presenting Award Commendations to one or more recipients in each of the five categories: Flagler Naples Saramana Tampa.
Note: These guidelines are adapted from the SAR Handbook, Volume V: Individual Medals and Awards (effective October 10, 2024).