Idaho Medal of Honor Commission Calls for Nominations

(Boise) - The Idaho Medal of Honor Commission is calling for nominations to recognize the heroism and sacrifice of Idaho law enforcement officers and firefighters. The first Idaho Law Enforcement and Firefighting Medals of Honor will be awarded for the first time during ceremonies on May 13, 2005, at the Idaho State Police Headquarters in Meridian.

The commission is seeking nominations for those officers and firefighters who will be honored in this year's ceremony. Nominations may be made by the law enforcement or firefighting agency at which the nominee served.

"Our Idaho police officers and firefighters have demonstrated again and again that we are right to depend upon them to protect our lives, safety and property," Medal of Honor Commission Chairman William von Tagen said.

"This ceremony will be a time to publicly honor those officers and firefighters who have been killed in the line of duty and those who have distinguished themselves by courageous conduct."

Eligibility information and nominating forms are available at the Idaho Medal of Honor Internet site.

Medals will be awarded for events occurring between January 1st and December 31st of the year prior to the scheduled ceremony. Agencies may also nominate individuals for prior events. Posthumous medals may be awarded for events that have occurred in the past.

Nominations should be sent to William von Tagen at the Idaho Attorney General's Office and must be postmarked no later than March 15, 2005.

The Idaho Legislature establishing the medal last year to honor Idaho police officers and firefighters who were killed in the line of duty or distinguished themselves by exceptional meritorious conduct.

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