On Feb. 14, Attorney General John Ashcroft, joined by Vice President Dick Cheney, recognized the achievements of 10 individuals who received the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor in a ceremony at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C. The event marked the first presentation of the medal, which is the highest national award for valor awarded to a public safety officer. The awards are in honor of the outstanding heroic deeds these officers performed.

“With the presentation of this medal, our nation recognizes the sacrifices and dedicated service of our public safety officers,” said Ashcroft. “They truly are our national heroes, and it's my privilege to recognize their tremendous courage, dedication to duty, and selfless commitment to their fellow citizens.”

The recipients of the 2002 Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor are: Eric Svihovec of Miller Place, N.Y.; Keith N. Borders of Las Vegas; Robert Borer, Jeremy Hosek, Guy Jones, Ron Kennett, Rick Klein, and Mike Wright, all of Lincoln, Neb.; Robert Giorgio of Cherry Hill, N.J.; and Sean VanAtter of Tampa, Fla.

“As Americans we know that each human life is precious. We believe those who place their own lives at risk to save or protect others deserve to be recognized and honored by their grateful fellow citizens,” Cheney said at the ceremony. “… And that's why we're gathered here today to confer, for the first time, this high honor, the Medal of Valor, on 10 exceptionally heroic public servants.

“The firefighters and law enforcement officers whom we honor today have all exhibited exceptional courage, extraordinary decisiveness and remarkable presence of mind,” Cheney said. “Each of them faced and overcame life-threatening dangers.”

The medal, authorized by the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Act of 2001, is awarded to public safety officers cited by the attorney general. The officers are nominated by the chiefs or directors of their agencies and recommended by the Medal of Valor Review Board.