Press Release
Posted:
St. Helena – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced his appointment to the Federal Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery Review Board.
“As the father of a Deputy Sheriff, I’ve seen firsthand the acts of bravery our nation’s law enforcement engage in each day. It’s only right that Congress recognizes all that these men and women risk in the line of duty,” said Thompson. “I’m honored to be appointed to the review board for the Federal Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery Award.”
Congress passed the Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery Act in 2008, establishing an award to honor exceptional acts of bravery in the line of duty by members of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement. The Act created the Federal Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery and the State and Local Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery awards. Medals are awarded annually by the U.S. Attorney General and are presented by the recipients' Congressional representatives.
To meet the definition of an act of bravery, nominees for the Congressional Badge of Bravery must have either:
- Sustained a physical injury while engaged in the lawful duties of the individual, and performing an act characterized as bravery by the agency head who makes the nomination, and being at personal risk; or
- Although not injured, performed an act characterized as bravery by the agency head who makes the nomination that placed the individual at risk of serious physical injury or death.
Each award’s Board reviews nominations, makes recommendations for recipients to the Attorney General, and addresses other responsibilities required under the Congressional Badge of Bravery Act.
Rep. Thompson was honored to be jointly appointed to the Federal Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery Review Board by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and House Speaker Mike Johnson. He will serve a 2-year term.