Two firefighters and three police officers today received the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor, the nation’s highest award recognizing heroic action performed above and beyond the call of duty by a public safety officer. Firefighter Edward F. Henry, Charleston (S.C.) Fire Department; Bttn. Chief Gene F. Large Jr., Fort Walton Beach (Fla.) Fire Department; and police officers Timothy Greene, Rock Hill, S.C.; Bryan S. Hurst (deceased), Columbus, Ohio; and Peter Alfred Koe, Indianapolis; were presented their medals by President George W. Bush during a White House ceremony in the Oval Office.

The recipients also were honored by Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales at a special ceremony at the Department of Justice. "Today we honor the personal courage and selfless service demonstrated by these Medal of Valor recipients through their individual acts of heroism,” he said. “Their sense of duty, respect for others and willingness to subordinate their personal safety to fellow officers and citizens provide the clearest example of the values that make the United States and its public servants so great.”

On April 24, 2005, Henry responded to a house fire. Occupants fleeing the building told him that people were still inside. Henry entered the house without the protection of a hose team and, battling thick smoke and flames, made his way upstairs where he found a victim lying on the floor. Unable to use the stairs, he broke out two windows and lifted the victim out to be rescued by ladder. He then took off his mask and gave it to the victim who, with help from other firefighters, climbed down the 35-foot ladder to safety. After ensuring the victim was safe, Henry checked his air supply and re-entered the house to continue his search for additional victims. Henry was cited for his dedication to protect and save others regardless of risk to personal safety.

On April 7, 2005, Large was dispatched to assist in an ocean surf rescue. Three firefighters and a sheriff’s deputy were attempting to rescue a swimmer caught in a rip current among 6- to- 8-foot waves, which had pulled all five away from shore. Neither the Coast Guard nor the fire-rescue craft were able to attempt a rescue in the high waves. Two of the rescuers were losing consciousness from cold and exhaustion. Large swam a rescue board -- a maneuver not usually attempted in such rough seas -- and instructed the five to lock arms while holding on to the board. Large was able to break the rip current’s hold and maneuver the five safely to shore by coordinating their kicking to work with the waves. Large was cited for his quick thinking and exceptional courage, while exposing himself to great risk.

The president awards the Medal of Valor, authorized by the Public Safety Medal of Valor Act of 2001, to public safety officers cited by the attorney general. Public safety officers are nominated by the chiefs or directors of their employing agencies and recommended by the Medal of Valor Review Board. Nominations for the 2005–2006 Medal of Valor will be accepted from May 31 to July 31. To learn more about the Medal of Valor or to make a nomination, go to http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/medalofvalor/.