34 U.S.C. § 51101 | Medal of sacrifice for law enforcement officers and first responders

(a)

Medal of sacrifice for law enforcement officers and first responders

The President shall issue a medal of sacrifice for law enforcement officers and first responders who were killed in the line of duty.

(b)

Eligibility

(1)

In general

A local, State, Tribal, territorial, or Federal law enforcement officer or first responder who was killed in the line of duty shall be eligible for the medal of sacrifice established under subsection (a).

(2)

Exception

(A)

In general

A local, State, Tribal, territorial, or Federal law enforcement officer or first responder who is killed in the line of duty, but who is subject to an official finding of wrongdoing, shall not be eligible for the medal of sacrifice established under subsection (a).

(B)

Investigation

In the case of an official finding of wrongdoing, the Commission established under subsection (c) shall investigate the circumstances surrounding the law enforcement officer’s or first responder’s cause of death, including considering any findings by the local, State, Tribal, territorial, or Federal agency with respect to the officer’s or responder’s death. The Commission established under subsection (c) shall make a final determination as to the officer’s eligibility for the medal established under subsection (a).

(C)

Official finding of wrongdoing

In this paragraph, the term “official finding of wrongdoing” means a determination by the law enforcement officer’s or first responders’ superior officer or employing law agency that the officer acted outside of the scope of their duties or not in accordance with the agency’s official policies or procedures.

(c)

Commission on medal of sacrifice for law enforcement officers and first responders

(1)

Establishment

The President shall establish a Commission on the medal of sacrifice for law enforcement officers and first responders (hereinafter known as the “Commission”).

(2)

Appointment

May 28, 2026Not later than 150 days after , the President shall appoint 12 members of the Commission. Such members shall be law enforcement officers, first responders, and representatives of organizations knowledgeable about law enforcement.

(3)

Term

Members of the Commission shall be appointed for a term of 5 years and shall be eligible to serve up to two terms, either consecutively or non-consecutively. The President shall make appointments to fill such vacancies as may occur on the Board.

(4)

Prohibition on payment

Members shall not be paid for serving on the Commission.

(5)

Responsibilities

The Commission shall—

(A)

advise the Commission on the design of the medal of sacrifice for law enforcement officers and first responders;

(B)

promote the establishment of the medal of sacrifice for law enforcement officers and first responders;

(C)

determine how the medal of sacrifice for law enforcement officers and first responders shall be presented;

(D)

make any final determination necessary pursuant to subsection (b)(2)(B); and

(E)

advise the President regarding criteria for assessing eligibility pursuant to subsection (b).

(6)

Initial award

The Commission shall award the following law enforcement officers the medal of sacrifice:

(A)

Deputy Ralph “Butch” Waller (Badge #8434);

(B)

Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz (Badge #7637); and

(C)

Deputy Luis Paez (Badge #3882).

(7)

Sunset

The Commission shall cease to exist on the date on which the President determines that the Commission has completed each responsibility under paragraph (5).

(d)

Description

1 So in original. Probably should be followed by a period.

The medal of sacrifice for law enforcement officers and first responders shall be a modified quatrefoil, with rounded lobes extending from a central octagon. The field incorporates features of the Great Seal of the United States, redesigned by Tiffany & Co  in 1885. The American eagle is charged with a coat of arms as a shield, argent, on a chevron gules between three lions rampant azure, as many chevronels argent; the crest, out of a coronet or, a double-tailed lion rampant azure, holding in its dexter paw a torch or enflamed proper; and “Integritas” included as a motto. Surrounding the seal are mullets, 47 in number, alternating with three rampant lions and incorporating four chevrons. In base, the word “SACRIFICE” is inscribed. In dexter base, three oak leaves are placed, symbolizing the national tree of the U.S., representing strength, resilience, and honoring the families and widows of the fallen. The reverse of the medal is sandblasted and bears an engraving of the names of the fallen heroes. The medal is suspended from a ribbon, either Azure or Gules depending on the fallen hero being honored. The ribbon bail is prepared and attached by hand soldering to the back of the medal. The medal is crafted from Silver Ag925 with 24k Gold Vermeil, with a weight of approximately 63 grams. It has a diameter of 2.25 inches. The Vermeil plating has a thickness of 2.5 microns. The medal combines national symbols with heraldic elements to represent the sacrifice of the fallen deputies. The use of Silver and Gold signifies the value and honor associated with their service.

Pub. L. 119–94, § 2May 28, 2026140 Stat. 830 (, , .)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Short Title

Pub. L. 119–94 section 1 of Pub. L. 119–94 section 10101 of this titleFor short title of , which is classified to this chapter, as the “Medal of Sacrifice Act of 2025”, see , set out as a Short Title of 2026 Amendment note under .