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Types of Awards

The Governor's State Employee Medal of Valor Awards honor state employees who showed great courage and sacrifice. These awards are given to people who showed bravery by putting themselves at risk when helping to save lives or protect state property. The program is defined in the California Code of Regulations section 599.655.

The two award levels are:

  • Special Act Award (Gold Medal)
    • An extraordinary act of heroism by a state employee extending far above and beyond the normal call of duty or service performed at great risk to his/her own life in an effort to save human life.
  • Special Service Award (Silver Medal)
    • An act of heroism by a state employee extending above and beyond the normal call of duty or service performed at personal risk to his/her safety to save human life or state property.

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