Secretary-Treasurer's Message
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| CPF Secretary-Treasurer Lew Stone |
Firefighters Deserve Medal of Valor
By nature, firefighters do not seek recognition for what they do.
We tend to attribute acts of courage as merely "part of the job." For most of us, we don't even analyze our performance on a rescue or other harrowing incident. It is usually only after someone outside of the fire service hears of the call that a heroic label is attached.
Once stamped with "valor," most shy from the attention, divert it to the entire crew, or attempt to downplay the event. If confronted with a film crew, we retreat behind the statement, "I just did what every other firefighter would have done in the same circumstances."
So why do I bring this up?
Well, the governor presents a Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor to deserving public safety personnel each year. His desire is to properly recognize those who have gone above the call of duty and placed their lives in danger for the sake of others. This year, I had the chance to be part of the committee that reviewed the applicants. The committee received recommendations with documentation on 61 nominees, based on 26 separate incidents.
And guess how many were firefighters? Zero! Yes, every nominee was from law enforcement. I have theories.
I bring this to your attention for a very specific reason - to make each of you aware of the Governor's Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor so you will place it in the back of your mind in the event that you become aware of a firefighter or several who are potentially deserving.
Sadly, while I was reviewing the 2009 applications, I thought of several incidents across our state involving firefighters that should have been considered. Unfortunately, the window of opportunity has passed to have any of their acts of heroism considered.
If you feel someone should be nominated, you must follow the process as outlined on the Attorney General's website, www.ag.ca.gov. It is imperative that your fire chief carefully completes the application. Supporting documentation (i.e. newspaper articles, photos) is very important.
The committee reviews the applications every May. Next year, I hope that in spite of our desire to seek anonymity, we properly bring forward deserving individuals. We do not want to dilute the respect and honor of the award, so it is imperative that only the most glowing examples of courage are recognized.