Part of the mission of the Police Heritage Museum is to promote a better understanding between law enforcement officers and the citizens they serve by demonstrating the role officers play in their communities' history and growth.

By establishing the Law Enforcement Awards Program, the Police Heritage Museum hopes to meet its mission by promoting the public trust and support of local law enforcement agencies by showcasing the achievements of local law enforcement officers. In addition, we hope to shed light on the community member that wears a law enforcement uniform.

The Law Enforcement Awards Program is sponsored by MediaOnePA, and is held in cooperation with:

Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award

The Police Heritage Museum hopes to recognize well-rounded law enforcement officers who have exceeded the duty requirements expected of their position and have also demonstrated a distinct pattern of community service along with professional achievement. Selection criteria includes:

• Significant achievements that go above and beyond the call of duty
• Outstanding acts of kindness or compassion or courage
• Consistency in day-to-day operations
• How the officers represents their agency and profession
• Community work the officers performs on their own time
• Performance which reflects the highest standards of the profession

Award of Valor

The Police Heritage Museum wishes to recognize local law enforcement officers for exceptional courage in a specific hazardous or life-threatening situation. Selection criteria will include:

• Actions performed at considerable risk to the officer's safety or life
• Actions taken in an effort to save or protect life and/or property
• Significant action above and beyond the normal call of duty

Citizen Award of Merit

The Police Heritage Museum wishes to recognize local citizens for actions taken at personal risk to:

• Prevent or stop the commission of a crime
• Assist or aid a law enforcement officer
• Attempt to save or protect life and/or property

2009 Law Enforcement Awards Program

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2009 Law Enforcement Awards Program. Nominations must be postmarked no later than April 5, 2010 or they will not be considered for this year's program. Nominations will cover activities occurring during the 2009 calendar year.

We encourage law enforcement agencies to nominate officers and/or civilians who meet the nominating criteria above, which is included in the nominating forms linked below.

Please direct any questions you may have regarding the nominations to us.

Please visit the following pages for previous award recipients and nominees.