Chief Leonard T. King, Sr. Medal of Valor Award

To recognize a Maryland fire, rescue and/or EMS provider(s) of an organized Maryland fire, rescue or EMS department who have, at great personal risk, been credited with saving or attempting to save a human life in an extreme emergency situation in the past year since the previous award.

This recognition of valor shall be demonstrated by an individual or individuals going above and beyond the normal call of duty as indicated by the nomination and judged by the Maryland Fire Chiefs Association (MFCA) Awards Committee.

Criteria:

Award of the Chief Leonard T. King, Sr. Medal of Valor will be to the individual or individuals who while as active members of the Maryland fire, rescue and emergency services, distinguish themselves conspicuously above and beyond the call of duty and at the risk of his or her life, by exercising courage and intrepidity. The act or acts of heroism must have required a risk of personal safety or life; and the individual have displayed personal bravery or self-sacrifice so extraordinary as to set the individual apart from his or her fellow emergency service providers.

The act justifying award of the Chief Leonard T. King, Sr. Medal of Valor must be performed while engaged in emergency scene operations. These actions are to have been accomplished in a manner that would not discredit their actions as reckless or ill-advised.

Incontestable proof of the valorous act will be required from the representing Fire Chief and/or submitter for each recommendation for the Chief Leonard T. King, Sr. Medal of Valor Award.

The valorous act must have occurred in the previous year since the prior award.

The Chief Leonard T. King, Sr. Valor Award may be awarded posthumously.

Eligibility:

Any person who is a member of a recognized fire, rescue or EMS organization in the State of Maryland.

Nominations:

The nomination must be submitted by the following:

1. Any member of a volunteer, combination, or career fire, rescue or EMS department in Maryland.

The nomination shall be submitted on the provided online application. Individuals or multiple individuals of a team involved in a heroic lifesaving event involving great personal risk may be submitted. Groups may be submitted on a single application form.

The nomination shall include a complete description of the event, deeds or actions taken, the life peril that was involved, the results, and any other pertinent information.

Review of nominations will be conducted by the MFCA Awards Committee.

Applications:

Applications will be completed and submitted via online application only from January 1st to March 1st annually.

Awards:

The Chief Leonard T. King, Sr. Medal of Valor Award(s) will be presented at the MFCA Annual Elections Meeting to the recipient(s) or their family(s).

The Chief Leonard T. King, Sr. Medal of Valor Award will be presented by the MFCA President with the MFCA Awards Committee present.

A service pin, medal, certificate, and plaque commemorating the accomplishment(s) will be awarded to the recipient(s). Name of the recipients will be placed on the MFCA website as a remembrance of their valorous act(s).

Members receiving the Chief Leonard T. King, Sr. Medal of Valor Award shall be nominated by the MFCA Awards Committee for the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Benjamin Franklin Fire Service Award and the Eastern Division IAFC Valor Award.