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The World's Largest Veterans Organization

 

INFORMATION


APPLICATION FORM

PAST WINNERS
 

 
 

Law Enforcement Officer of the Year

SCOPE

Americans in recent years have been experiencing an unprecedented crime wave which has permeated all States and neighborhoods in our country, and crime is rapidly becoming America's foremost domestic problem.  The Preamble of the Constitution of The American Legion includes as one of its objectives... "to maintain Law and Order."  As concerned citizens and veterans, Legionnaires have always fostered a strong sense of law and order and have upheld the protection of American citizens and the American way of life.  They have always held law enforcement agencies in the highest regard, and many Posts and Departments already recognize outstanding law enforcement officers of various jurisdictions who daily serve our communities and frequently lay their lives on the line.

PURPOSE
Our goal is to select a well-rounded Law Enforcement Officer who has exceeded, above and beyond, the duty requirements expected of his/her position and has demonstrated a distinct pattern of community service coupled with professional achievement.  Episodes of heroism will, of course, also be included where noted.  A major secondary purpose of this award is to encourage the further development of Department and Post Law and Order Committees in all Departments in recognition of law enforcement officers by Posts, Departments, and the National Headquarters of The American Legion.  It is firmly believed that the establishment of this award will further serve to promote the public trust and support of our law enforcement agencies.

AWARD DESIGNATION
This award shall be known as "The American Legion National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award" and it will be presented annually at the National Convention or other suitable American Legion setting, as appropriate.  All Departments are encouraged to participate in this very worthwhile and prestigious award program.

ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for consideration, nominees must meet the following criteria:
  • Be a citizen of the United States, male or female.
  • Be a living, active, full-time and paid, sworn law enforcement officer entrusted with full autghority and the powers of arrest.
  • Consideration for a posthumous award will be acceptable only if the nominee's death has occurred after the Department's selection and within the dates for which the award is being presented.
  • Be assigned to, or fully recognized by, Municipal (City), County, District or State Police (e.g., University Police, etc.) or Highway Patrol, Sheriff's Office, or as a sworn Federal law enforcement officer (e.g., FBI or Secret Service Agent, United States Federal Marshal, National Park Police, Capital Police, etc.)
  • Be selected as the Department Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.
  • Department nominees are not required to be veterans or members of The American Legion.
  • Reside and be assigned or attached for duty in the Department from which they are selected.
  • Federal agents serving in overseas Departments may be nominated by the overseas Department.
  • Nominees selected for this award should be available to receive this award at The American Legion Department and National Conventions.
  • Military police officers or investigators are not eligible for participation in this award.

APPLICATION PACKETS
Application packets should include:
  • Application Form - Complete the application form and use it as the cover page of the application.  This cover page shall not count as part of the maximum 18 pages of service documentation.
  • 5" x 7" official photograph of candidate
  • Service narrative and supporting documentation (maximum of 18 one-sided pages 8 1/2" x 11" bond paper of service documentation).  The goal of the National Law and Order Committee is to select a well-rounded law enforcement officer who has exceeded, above and beyond, the duty requirements of his or her position and who exemplifies the virtues of professionalism and dedication and has demonstrated a distinct pattern of community service to his/her community, state or nation; and also has proven his/her personal dedication to societal security and protection.
  • The Law Enforcement Officer must be recommended by his/her Commanding Officer or Supervisor for this award.  The Commanding Officer or Supervisor should also state that the law enforcement officer, if selected for this award, will be available for its presentation at the Department Convention in January and if selected for the National award, the National Convention in August.
  • Specific acts of community service, heroism and meritorious performance recognized by his/her law enforcement agency should be included and documented.  Departments will judge their selections based on a point system for Community Service, Professional Career, Heroism and Letters of Recognition, news clippings, and other substantiating documentation.
  • Community Service:  Outstanding service to the Community, State or Nation by the officer, in both on-duty and off-duty activities, should be explained for the past year and may include previous years.  Cite, for example, awards and/or supporting letters from City or County Commissioners, letters from State officials, and letters from The American Legion Department or Posts, or from citizens attesting to and commending the officer for his/her community service contributions.
  • Citations for community service, heroism and meritorious performance of duty should be explained for the past year and may include previous years.  Include citations and any supporting letters from the officer's chain of command as well as other documentation from City, County, State authorities and American Legion officials, citizens or civic groups as further evidence of community service, heroic and meritorious performance of duty by the officer.
  • Include a copy of State or Federal certification as a law enforcement officer as well as copies of pertinent training and education certificates as appropriate.
  • If the winning officer is a uniformed officer, then he/she is requested to appear in full uniform at the Department/National convention at the time of presentation.  Non-uniformed winners would be expected to appear in appropriate business attire.