| As the Department's third highest medal, the "Medal for Valor" is conferred upon police officers for acts of outstanding personal bravery intelligently performed in the line of duty at imminent personal hazard to life under circumstances evincing a disregard of personal consequences. The image of the Police Memorial Statue, representing the years of selfless service that New York City police officers have given to its citizens, is cast in the center of the medal. As a tribute to all police officers the original bronze Police Memorial Statue depicting a police officer standing next to a young boy is proudly displayed at the lobby entrance to police headquarters for all visitors to see. Models for the original statue, sculptured by Attilio Piccirilli in 1939 for then Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia, were Patrolman Martin Gillen, 20 Precinct, standing beside Mayor LaGuardia's then nine year old son, Eric. Engraved Mediterranean region evergreen laurel leaves which have represented honor and glory dating back to ancient Rome, surround the center of the medal. The outer background and ribbon are police blue which has been the official color of policing since approximately 1845. Historically this color was used for Civil War era military uniforms. The words "For Valor, Police Department City of New York" are written on the face of the medal in gold lettering. The two gold stars signify the level of importance associated with this recognition. In addition, the recipient's name is engraved on the reverse side of the medal. The current design of the Medal of Valor, (see photo) was 1st awarded at the 1998 Annual New York City Police Department Medal Day ceremony. Prior to the current medal all Medals of Valor were donated by over 45 fraternal organizations and each medal varied in appearance. September 11, 2001 resulted in the awarding of 61+ Medals of Valor. The most ever awarded for a single incident. Retired Detective Paul Ragonese of Emergency Service has been awarded a total of 5 Medals of Valor. He has also been awarded an additional 79 assorted other Departmental Recognitions. Lieutenant James Coan has been awarded 3 Medals of Valor and is currently still active in the New York City Police Department. He has been awarded an additional 45 assorted Departmental Recognitions. The 1st female to be awarded the Medal of Valor was Detective Mary Glatzle, June 1976 and since then 25 in total have been awarded to females. |
| Medal of Valor |
| Beyond the Line of Duty |
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| Above is the current Medal of Valor |
| Above breast bar denoted the awarding of 2 medals of Valor |