Medal of Valor

The Governor's State Employee Medal of Valor is the highest honor California bestows upon its employees. Since the program began in 1959, 545 medals have been awarded.

In a public ceremony the Governor awards Gold or Silver medals to State employees who risked their lives to save others or State property.

Medal of Valor awardees

• medalofvalor.ca.gov

Two types of awards

Special Service Award (Silver Medal)

For an act of heroism by a State employee extending above and beyond the normal call of duty or service performed at personal risk to his or her safety to save human life or State property.

Special Act Award (Gold Medal)

For an extraordinary act of heroism by a State employee extending far above and beyond the normal call of duty or service, performed at great risk to his or her own life in an effort to save human life.

Nomination process

• Download and complete the Medal of Valor Nomination Package (PDF) or the DPA-012 Nomination Form Only.
• Submit the completed package to your departmental Merit Award Administrator.
• The Merit Award Administrator reviews and verifies the nomination.
• The nominee's department director approves the nomination.
• The Merit Award Administrator forwards the nomination to DPA's Medal of Valor Awards Program.
• DPA reviews and approves the nomination and notifies the Merit Award Administrator.
• The parties make arrangements for the awards ceremony.

The review process and preparing for the awards ceremony takes time, so departments should submit nominations promptly.

For more information

Please contact your departmental Merit Award Administrator or the DPA Merit Award Coordinator, (916) 324-0522, if you have questions.

Updated March 8, 2012 at 2:15 PM.