I.        Purpose
 

A.        The purpose of the standing awards policy is to achieve the following:
 

1.         Recognize our past and current members for accomplishments and service that are truly exceptional, placing them apart from others in the industry and our organization.

2.         To encourage all personnel to comment on the positive actions of individuals and groups.

3.         To provide a process of consistent investigation. 

II.      Awards 
 

A.        Award for Valor

 

1.         The Medal of Valor is awarded to eligible District personnel who go above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action to save human life. Eligible District personnel are defined as any career, or volunteer staff member (current or retired).

2.         The deed performed must be one of personal bravery or self-sacrifice and uncommon valor so as to clearly distinguish the member above his or her comrades and must involve risk to life.

3.         Incontestable proof of the performance of service must be demonstrated, resulting from an investigation of the incident.

4.         Each recommendation for the award of this medal will be considered on the standard of extraordinary valor.

5.         Awarded only if circumstances warrant. 

B.        Award for Merit
 

1.         The Award for Merit should be for individuals who have performed their jobs with unique, exceptional skill, expertise, innovation and results. Other areas to consider when nominating could include: devotion to duty, community service, decision making, teamwork, human relations or other services that deserve recognition.

2.         The recipient should represent commitment to organizational values and mission and represent the “Diamond Difference.”  These members are indicative of our “Hall of Fame.”

3.         Chiefs and senior leadership are not eligible for this award.

4.         Awarded only if circumstances merit.

C.        Distinguished Achievement Award
 

1.         The Distinguished Achievement Award recognizes an individual whose service and performance has exceeded the realm of the job and is not covered in any other award.

2.         In particular, this award is focused in the areas of achievement for the District or Association in the areas of:  extraordinary development or leadership in training and education influencing others or the extraordinary development of programs or leadership in community or social programs.

III.     Nomination Process

A.        Nominations

1.         Nominations may be made at any time during the year.  Nominations must be submitted to the Fire Chief’s office prior to November 1^st for consideration for the current year.

2.         Nominations must be completed in the following specific terms:

  a.         Person or persons involved

  b.         Award type

  c.         Qualifying events detailed in a narrative fashion

B.        Processing of the Nomination

1.         A copy of the nomination will be promptly forwarded to the nominee’s supervisor for consideration for award.

2.         If required, an investigation of the event will be ordered.

3.         Nominations and investigation findings will be forwarded to the awards committee.

C.        Awards Committee

1.         The Fire Chief will appoint and convene an awards committee prior to December 15^th, if there are awards to be considered. 

2.         The Committee will consist of a fire officer (current or retired), firefighter (current or retired), Association Executive Board member of the Firefighters’ Association and a District Board member.

3.         The Awards Committee will have the authority to review related documentation and recommend to the Fire Chief or deny award.

4.         The Fire Chief will make the final decision on the merit of the award to be presented.

D.        Awards Presentation

1.         The award presentation venue will be determined by the Fire Chief.

[ home ] [ index ] [ return to top ]