Awards
Medal of Honor
Ribbon on Medal: Red over white over blue
Bar and Lapel Pin: Red over white over blue with gold trim
May be awarded to a law enforcement officer who voluntarily distinguishes himself or herself conspicuously by gallantry and extraordinary heroism. The act must be in excess of normal demands and of such a nature that the officer was fully aware of the imminent threat to his personal safety and acted above and beyond the call of duty at the risk of his or her life. This is the highest award presented by the Norman Police Department.
Police Cross
Ribbon on Medal: Black
Bar and Lapel Pin: None
To be awarded posthumously to a law enforcement officer who dies in the performance of duty under honorable circumstances. The Police Cross may be awarded in addition to any other award the officer may be entitled to in making the supreme sacrifice.
Medal of Valor
Ribbon on Medal: White over red
Bar and Lapel Pin: White over red with gold trim
May be awarded to a law enforcement officer for a heroic deed and exceptional meritorious conduct involving exemplary courage, risk and danger to his or her personal safety.
Commendation with Risk
Bar and Lapel Pin: Blue with one center white vertical stripe and gold trim
May be awarded to a law enforcement officer for a heroic deed and exceptional meritorious conduct involving exemplary courage, risk and danger to his or her personal safety.
Commendation Bar
Bar and Lapel Pin: Blue with gold trim
May be awarded to a law enforcement officer for outstanding contributions to the department or community through the success of difficult police projects, programs, or situations in which such contributions reflect a high degree of official accomplishment. Or, may be awarded to a law enforcement officer who has demonstrated a record of outstanding and exemplary service to the department by having received a minimum of five (5) Certificates of Recognition.
Lifesaving Bar
Bar and Lapel Pin: Red with gold trim
May be awarded to a law enforcement officer who is directly responsible for the saving of a human life. The Lifesaving Bar may also be awarded when evidence indicates the actions by the officer(s) prolonged a human life to the extent of the victim being released to the care of medical authorities, even though the victim might expire at a later time. This award may be awarded in addition to the awarding of a higher medal where the facts show the recipient is entitled to such award.
Police Shield
Ribbon on Medal: Purple
Bar and Lapel Pin: Purple with gold trim
To be awarded to any police employee who is seriously injured while performing police duties. The committee may consider injuries sustained for falls on ice, motor vehicle accidents, if evidence clearly indicates the employee exhausted reasonable safety precautions and had no control over the circumstances.
Officer of the Year
Bar and Lapel Pin: Light blue
To be presented to a Norman Police Officer each calendar year that has distinguished himself or herself conspicuously, by exceptional conduct, outstanding performance, or extraordinary contributions in accomplishing the Mission Statement of the Norman Police Department. The recipient of this award shall receive a plaque, bar and designated parking space. Finalist other than the award recipient shall receive finalists’ certificates.
For this annual award the awards review committee shall make four (4) recommendations to the Chief of Police. The Chief of Police shall then proceed with making a final selection. The Chief of Police may involve citizen input into the final selection process.
The Chief of Police may work with the award review committee and/or local civic organizations to arrange a special presentation ceremony to include all officers recommended by the committee. The Chief of Police shall present the award to the selected officer at this ceremony.