Recognizing Heroic Officers &
Community Citizens
Every year the Peace Officers Association of Ventura County honors acts of bravery, heroism and service by department personnel and community citizens. These exemplary individuals and organizations receive recognition at the POAVC’s annual
Medal of Valor Awards Ceremony.
AWARD GUIDELINES - Peace Officers
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL
Honoring an officer killed in the line-of-duty, posthumously awarded to the officer’s family.
MEDAL OF VALOR
Extraordinary bravery, above and beyond the call of duty, where risk of life actually existed and the officer was aware of such risk; where failure to take such action would not justify censure.
MEDAL OF MERIT
An act of heroism, beyond that expected, performed at great personal risk with the intent of saving life and/or property; an act of outstanding service, or performance, requiring extreme tenacity and devotion to duty.
UNIT CITATION AWARD
Annual award honoring exemplary achievement by a recognized law enforcement unit within Ventura County.
AWARD GUIDELINES - Citizens
MEDAL OF MERIT
An act of heroism, beyond that expected, performed at great personal risk with the intent of saving life and/or property; an act of outstanding service, or performance, requiring extreme tenacity.
CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION
Acts of bravery in aiding, or attempting to aid, another citizen or an officer, rendering necessary assistance to save life or property; outstanding acts of community service resulting in saving of life or property.