CDCR Medal of Valor Awards

Medal of Valor medal with american flag in background
CDCR Medal of Valor

Each year CDCR holds the Medal of Valor (MOV) awards to honor employees and community members who distinguished themselves by acts of heroism, bravery, or service beyond the normal demands of correctional/community service.

Medal of Valor

The Medal of Valor is the Department’s highest award, earned by employees distinguishing themselves by conspicuous bravery or heroism above and beyond the normal demands of correctional service. The employee shall display great courage in the face of immediate life-threatening peril and with full knowledge of the risk involved. The act should show professional judgment and not jeopardize operations or the lives of others.


CDCR Awards Medals to the Heroic, Brave and Distinguished

CDCR Gold Star medal

Gold Star Medals Awarded

The Gold Star medal is awarded for heroic deeds under extraordinary circumstances. The employee shall display courage in the face of immediate peril in acting to save the life of another person.

CDCR Silver Star medal

Silver Star Medals Awarded

The Silver Star medal is awarded for acts of bravery under extraordinary or unusual circumstances. The employee shall display courage in the face of potential peril while saving or attempting to save the life of another person or distinguish himself or herself by performing in stressful situations with exceptional tactics or judgement.

CDCR Bronze Star medal

Bronze Star Medals Awarded

The Bronze Star is awarded for saving a life without placing oneself in peril. The employee shall have used proper training and tactics in a professional manner to save, or clearly contribute to saving, the life of another person.

CDCR Distinguished Service medal

Distinguished Service Medals Awarded

The Distinguished Service Medal is awarded for an employee’s exemplary work conduct with the Department for a period of months or years, or involvement in a specific assignment of unusual benefit to the Department.