Types of Commendations

Once your information is received, it will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Medal of Valor for Exceptional Service
The Hamilton Police Department Medal of Valor for Exceptional Service is the highest decoration of honor that a member can receive from the department. The Medal of Valor bestows upon the recipient the supreme degree of recognition for selfless bravery during extreme conditions.

Meritorious Service Ribbon
The Hamilton Police Department Meritorious Service Ribbon, the second highest award which can be presented to a member, is a decoration of honor awarded to a member whose action resulted in the saving of a human life, when such action placed the officer's own life in significant jeopardy or the officer had to exhibit bravery.

Preservation of Life Award
The Hamilton Police Department Preservation of Life Award is the third highest award that can be presented to a member. This award honors a member whose action resulted in the saving of a human life at some or no risk to the officer’s own safety.

Chief's Commendation
The Hamilton Police Department Chief's Commendation is the 4th highest award that can be presented to a member. It denotes exemplary service and dedication according to the highest levels of police standards.

Letter of Commendation
The Letter of Commendation is a written documentation of exceptional conduct and behavior by a member. A Letter of Commendation may be issued to a subordinate member by any supervisor or may be issued by a city official.

Letters of Appreciation from Other Agencies
The professional conduct of members is sometimes such that other agencies or members of agencies wish to express appreciation for a job well done, for aid, cooperation, or other assistance rendered. This type of documentation from within the criminal justice system will be routed to the member through the chain of command. A copy of the letter will be placed in the member's departmental personnel file.

Awards from the Community
Upon notification from any civilian, civilian agency, or other group that a member has been selected to receive special recognition or an award related to the member's employment with the Hamilton Police Department, the member shall notify the Chief of Police through the chain of command. All awards of significant monetary value other than scrolls, plaques, trophies, medals, citations, and the like shall be reported to the Chief of Police, who may determine a fair and equitable disposition. A written summary of the circumstances surrounding the award from the community shall be entered in the member's permanent departmental personnel file.

Letters from Citizens
Letters and documentation of other notifications received from the community concerning appreciation of meritorious conduct by members shall be routed to the member through the chain of command. A copy of the letter will be entered in the member's departmental personnel file.