Americans, especially since the tragic day of September 11, 2001, understand the heroism, bravery and importance of our nation’s firefighters and their role in helping to safeguard life and property. 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 firefighter agencies in the highest regard, and many posts and departments already recognize outstanding firefighters of various jurisdictions who daily serve our communities and frequently lay their lives on the line.
Purpose of Award: To recognize a well-rounded Michigan Firefighter, who has exceeded, above and beyond, the duty requirements expected of their 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.
For the purposes of this award, the use of the word Firefighter or firefighter officer includes any living, active, full-time, paid, or volunteer CERTIFIED FIREFIGHTER who is also a MEMBER of a municipal (city) or county fire department. This includes Emergency Medical Technicians or those serving in some other capacity in the department.
Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for consideration, nominees must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of the United States, male or female.
- Be a certified, living, active, full-time, paid, or volunteer firefighter.
- 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, State or Federal firefighter officer.
Nominees are not required to be veterans or members of The American Legion.
Nomination packets must contain the following relevant information:
- Completed Cover Sheet (Nomination Form)
- 5 x 7 photograph
- Narrative:
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- -No more than 6 pages (including letters of recommendation)
- -One-sided
- -Describes his/her outstanding service
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- Backup documentation:
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- -One-sided
- -No more than 12 pages
- -Must include his/her state or federal certification
- -Examples: Letters of support from city, county, and state officials, newspaper articles; other letters of commendation; citations, certificates of training, etc.
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