Special recognition may be in order whenever a department member performs his/her duties in an exemplary manner. Citizens may at times perform an act of gallantry that deserves recognition. Awards may be bestowed upon department members and members of the public annually. These awards include:

 

1) Medal of Honor, Posthumous- This award will be presented to the family of a department member who was killed in the line of duty or died as a result of injuries received in the line of duty while performing an outstanding act at imminent personal hazard of life with full knowledge of the risk involved.

 

2) Medal of Honor- Presented to a department member for performing an outstanding act at imminent personal hazard of life with full knowledge of the risk involved.

 

3) Purple Heart- Granted to any sworn Village of Walworth officer who has been seriously, critically or fatally injured in the performance of law enforcement duty. In addition, this award may be conferred if an injury was averted by the wearing of body armor. This award will be given in all cases resulting in line of duty death, but will otherwise be limited to those cases involving an attack by an assailant or the performance of an act of valor.

4) Police Star- Presented to a department member for performing an outstanding act of distinguished bravery or the arrest of a person(s) who is/are a major threat to the welfare of the community and/or the officer.

 

5) Distinguished Service Medal- Presented to a department member for an accomplishment which brings acclaim to an employee, the Department, or the profession of policing, as result of training, devotion to duty or public service.

 
6) Life Saving Bar- Presented to a department member for an act, on or off duty, which through disregard of personal safety or prompt and alert action, results in saving the life of another person.

 

7) Employee of the Year Medal- Presented to a department member in recognition of sustained delivery of a high level of performance from job performance, motivation, dedication to the job, assistance to fellow department members and job knowledge.

8) Letter of Commendation- Presented to a department member in recognition of a noteworthy accomplishment.

 

9) Years of Service Certificate- Presented to a department member for completing continuous years of service to the department in five year increments (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 etc.).The certificate will be presented to the department member during the calendar year in which the service year is reached.

 

10) Civilian Gallantry- Presented to a civilian for assistance in accomplishing the department mission, which may include but limited to: apprehending a criminal, extending oneself beyond one’s own safety or prompt action to aid a fellow citizen(s) who is in danger.

11) Citizen of the Year Award- Presented to a citizen or business whose extraordinary selfless service and dedication have made a significant positive impact on our community. This award recognizes those who go above and beyond their professional duties to enhance the quality of life for others.