Today, President Biden will announce the awarding of the Medal of Valor to eight public safety officers. This award is presented in accordance with the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Act of 2001, which President Biden co-sponsored as a Senator. It is the highest national honor for valor awarded to public safety officers who have demonstrated extraordinary bravery beyond their duty.
The nominees were selected based on recommendations from the Attorney General and the Medal of Valor Review Board. Members of this board are appointed by the President and congressional leaders. The recipients displayed exceptional courage while attempting to save or protect human life, often putting their own safety at risk.
President Biden has previously awarded Medals of Valor during his presidency and vice presidency, with ceremonies held at the White House. This year's awards will be presented on January 3, 2024.
Among the recipients are Sergeant Jeffrey Mathes, Officer Rex Engelbert, and Detectives Michael Collazo, Ryan Cagle, and Zachary Plese from Nashville, Tennessee. On March 27, 2023, they responded to an active shooter situation at The Covenant School in Nashville. Despite being fired upon as they arrived, these officers entered the school and confronted the shooter.
Sergeant Tu Tran from Lincoln, Nebraska will also receive a medal for his actions on February 22, 2023. He saved a woman from drowning in a pond by swimming out to her submerged vehicle and pulling her to safety.
Lieutenant John Vanderstar from New York City is honored for rescuing a mother and child from a burning apartment on October 23, 2022. He entered through flames without water support to bring them to safety.
Firefighter Brendan Gaffney, also from New York City, saved two unconscious victims during an apartment fire on February 5, 2023. He used a door as a shield against flames while rescuing a pregnant woman and child.
These acts exemplify the bravery recognized by the Medal of Valor awards.
