Awards & Honors

Formally recognizing and honoring persons who have performed commendable acts and/or services for the Sheriff’s Office or the community is an important process for the Office of the Sheriff. Sheriff’s personnel, members of other law enforcement agencies, and private citizens who have performed commendable acts or services for the Sheriff's Office, or for their fellow citizens are recognized in annual awards presentation ceremonies.

When a commendable act has clearly met or exceeded the award criteria and fit within the established guidelines for recognition any of the following awards and commendations may be considered by the Sheriff's Awards Committee.

Medal of HonorMedal of Honor

The Medal of Honor is given posthumously to an employee who dies from injuries received while on-duty or acting in an official capacity as a member of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. It is presented to surviving family members.


Medal of ValorMedal of Valor

The Medal of Valor is the Sheriff's highest award and may be awarded to employees who distinguish themselves by conspicuous heroism under exigent or life-threatening conditions, and consciously perform acts of bravery or other outstanding feats while facing imminent danger.


Medal of CourageMedal of Courage

The Medal of Courage is awarded to an employee who distinguish themselves by acts of heroism performed at great personal risk to life or limb. These acts shall demonstrate great courage while facing extreme danger, but to a lesser degree than required for the Medal of Valor.


Lifesaving AwardLifesaving Award

The medal for Lifesaving is awarded to Sheriff's employees or members of another law enforcement agency who personally perform acts that save human lives. The acts need not be performed under conditions requiring bravery or exposure to great personal risk. To be considered, the person having been saved need not sustain life in the long term, but by the deliberate act of the employee, must have been prevented from dying at the time and place that the act or aid was performed.

Distinguished ServiceDistinguished Service

The Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to Sheriff's employees who have demonstrated exceptional service over a prolonged period. This award is not intended to recognize length of service. Demonstrated achievements and exceptional performance of duty are clearly above that which would normally be expected and has contributed materially to the mission of the Sheriff's Office.