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As the New York City Police Department's third highest medal, the Medal for Valor is conferred upon police officers for acts of outstanding personal bravery intelligently performed in the line of duty at imminent personal hazard to life under circumstances evincing a disregard of personal consequences.

The image of the Police Memorial Statue, representing the years of selfless service that New York City police officers have given to its citizens, is cast in the center of the medal. As a tribute to all police officers, the original bronze Police Memorial Statue depicting a police officer standing next to a young boy is proudly displayed at the lobby entrance to police headquarters. Models for the original statue, sculptured by Attilio Piccirilli in 1939 for then Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia, were Patrolman Martin Gillen, 20 Precinct, standing beside Mayor LaGuardia's then nine-year-old son, Eric.

Engraved Mediterranean region evergreen laurel leaves which have represented honor and glory dating back to ancient Rome, surround the center of the medal. The outer background and ribbon are police blue which has been the official color of policing since approximately 1845. Historically this color was used for Civil War era military uniforms. The words "For Valor, Police Department City of New York" are written on the face of the medal in gold lettering. The two gold stars signify the level of importance associated with this recognition. In addition, the recipient's name is engraved on the reverse side of the medal.

• http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/html/chfpers/medal-valor.html

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