Medal of Valor Awards

Established in 1959, the Governor's Medal of Valor is the highest honor California bestows on its public servants. Over 400 medals have been awarded to State employees since the program began.

In a public ceremony every December, the Governor awards the Medal of Valor to those State employees whose extraordinary acts of bravery and heroism saved human lives.

The Governor's Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place after the awards ceremony.

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).
• 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.

Past Recipients

• 2008 Medal of Valor Awardees
• 2007 Medal of Valor Awardees
• 2006 Medal of Valor Awardees
• 2003 Medal of Valor Awardees
• 2001 Medal of Valor Awardees

For More Information

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

Updated December 12, 2008 at 2:55 PM.