Governor's State Employee Medal of Valor Awards

When state employees put their lives on the line to help others, California recognizes them with its highest honor. This award began in 1959 with Governor Edmund G. Brown honoring the first two recipients. Officer Edward Fitzgerald of the San Francisco Port Authority's Harbor Police and State Traffic Officer Robert Walker of the California Highway Patrol set the standard for courage. Since that day, over 800 State employees have joined them as medal recipients. These brave workers come from all areas of state service. They include emergency responders, analysts, office technicians and countless others who chose to act.