POLICY
The South Suburban Association of Chiefs of Police shall recognize police officers and private citizens for meritorious acts and service that are consistent with the law enforcement mission of our communities.
The Awards Committee is appointed by the President of the Association annually to accept and evaluate nominations of officers and citizens from Association members and to determine recipients of said awards in the appropriate categories.
Association awards shall be presented at a time and date designated by the President with concurrence of the Executive Board.
PROCEDURE
Sworn officers or civilian support personnel of local, county state and federal enforcement agencies, and private citizens are eligible for consideration of an award. All nominations shall be submitted by the Chief Executive or Administrator/ Director of the nominating agency who is a member of the South Suburban Association of Chiefs of Police.
When the Chief Executive or an agency is nominated for an award, the nomination should be submitted to the committee by the Chief Executive of another agency.
Nominations must be submitted in writing to the Chairman of the Awards Committee. The Awards Committee shall the review and determine the appropriate awards to be presented to the nominee.
It is the intent of the Association to present all qualified candidates nominated with the appropriate award. However, it is stressed that the nominations of individuals must be of the highest standards and should be for outstanding performance or service which is clearly exceptional to normal standards of performance of duties and usual police responsibilities and activities.
Nominations shall be submitted before the deadline set forth by the Awards Committee Chairman.
I. Police Officers Awards Categories
a. POLICE CROSS
The Police Cross is to be awarded where and officer lost his life in the performance of duty under honorable circumstances.
The Chief Executive should contact the Chairman of the Awards Committee immediately upon an officer's death. The medal will be awarded to the family at the summer conference.
b. PEACE OFFICER AWARD OF VALOR
The Award of Valor is the Association's highest award and may be awarded to peace officers who distinguish themselves by conspicuous bravery or heroism above and beyond the normal demands of police service.
To be presented the Award of Valor, a peace officer shall have performed an act displaying extreme courage while consciously facing imminent peril.
It is awarded by the South Suburban Association of Chiefs of Police and is presented by the President of the Association. The award shall consist of a plaque or medal and a ribbon.
c. PEACE OFFICER MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
This award is based on exceptional performance of duty, clearly above that normally expected, which has contributed materially to the success of a major project, field operation or unique investigation. Long and faithful service is not considered for purposes of such an award.
d. LIFE SAVING AWARD
The Life Saving Award is presented to an officer for the saving of human life. Documentation and supporting evidence must be included to substantiate the award, such as statements from witnesses, physicians or supervisors. The award may also be made where evidence indicates the actions by the officer prolonged a human life to the extent of the victim being released to the care of medical authorities, even though the victim might expire at a later time.
II. COMMENDATION OF PRIVATE CITIZENS BY THE ASSOCIATION
Recommendations for commendation of a private citizen or organization may be initiated by any member of the Association who becomes aware of an act of assistance to a member department or which is believed to be exceptional.
a. CHIEFS' ASSOCIATION CITATION
The Association Citation may be awarded for an act of heroism which involves great risk of personal injury or death.
b. CHIEFS' ASSOCIATION CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
A Certificate of Appreciation may be awarded for an exemplary contribution or an outstanding act of service which assists a member department or law enforcement profession in fulfilling its objectives.
c. CHIEFS' ASSOCITATION CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION
A Certificate of Recognition may be awarded for a high degree of service or assistance to the Association when no other certificate is appropriate.
III. CHIEFS' ASSOCIATION ADMINISTRATION AWARD
The criteria for the category of awards is determined and awarded at the pleasure of the current President if office with concurrence of the Executive Board.
a. PAST PRESIDENT'S AWARD
Awarded to the immediate past President of the Association.
b. CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Awarded to Association member(s) for distinguished service to the Association.
c. PRESIDENT'S AWARD
Awarded to Association member(s) for service to the Association by the Association President during his term of office.