The NLCRPD values the hard work and diligence of our agency members. We also recognize the value of rewarding those members who strive to do their best and serve as examples to the community and our team members. The following types of awards are available to sworn personnel;

Medal of Valor: This badge shall be red, black and white in color, with a black “V” in the center (B-101). This award recognizes performance related to a specific act of bravery which is clearly above and beyond normal duty, reflects creditability on the department, involves great personal risk and would, if any error were made in performing the act, seriously jeopardize the officer’s survival.

Award of Merit: This badge is red, green and white in color with a green “M” in the center (C-102). This award recognizes a specific act involving personal risk or exceptional judgment. Personal risk would not be of the extreme nature required for the Medal of Valor, but must clearly be above and beyond the normal requirements of one’s position. In cases involving exceptional judgment, or initiative, they must be clearly outstanding and such that had they not been exercised, undesirable consequences would have resulted.

Commissioners’ or Chief’s Commendation: This badge shall be blue, red and white in color (C-202). The Commissioners’ or Chief’s Commendation recognizes performance which clearly surpasses the normal requirements of one’s position, but not of the caliber that would warrant the Award of Merit. Some examples of performance that might call for a commendation under this award would be as follows:

a) Arrests through alert observation, recognizing a situation and resulting in a major felony arrest.

b) Fires – the evacuation of personnel from burning structures or vehicles at minimum personal risk.

c) Rescues – preventing the loss of life through suicide, drowning or other incidents at minimum personal risk.

d) Group Action – taking part in an action for which the principal participant is deserving of a higher award, but where participation in a supporting role is not in itself worthy of the higher award.

 Award for Injury in the Line of Duty: this badge shall be white and purple in color with a purple heart in the center (L-111). This bar is awarded to an officer who sustains a serious wound or injury in the line of duty, provided that,

a) The officer must have been actively engaged in the performance of his duties when the wound was sustained, and it was of sufficient gravity to require hospitalization.

b) The wound or injury resulted from a felonious assault, fire, explosion or similar case.

c) The wound or injury did not result from the officer’s negligence or violation of procedures.

Safe Driving Award: This badge is green and white service bar with years (5), (10), (15), (20), (25), (30) or (35) in the center (S-118). The Safe Driving Award recognizes officers whose duties involve the operation of a motor vehicle and who have exhibited safe driving ability and have been able to avoid accidents. Officers shall not be excluded from receiving this award if they have been involved in an accident in which they were found not to be contributory negligent. To be eligible for this award, an officer must have a safe driving record for five consecutive years.

Life Saving Award: This badge is red, white and blue service bar with a red cross in the center (E-104). This award recognizes officers who have saved a life. Note: It is not considered a life saving when an officer exercises judgment not to use deadly force.

Years of Service Award: This badge is red and white service bar with the years (5), (10), (15), (20), (25), (30) or (35) in the center (Q-816). This bar shall be awarded to officers who have accumulated those years of service.

Good Conduct Award: This badge is a teal and white service bar (G-106). This bar recognizes officers who have exhibited good conduct over a three year period of time. Good conduct is defined as receiving less disciplinary action than a reprimand and/or suspension during any three year period of time.

Perfect Attendance Award: This badge is a white and yellow service bar with the numbers (5), (10), (15), (20), (25), (30) or (35) in the center (R-117). This bar recognizes officers for specific years of perfect attendance.

Advanced Certification Award: This badge is red, white, and black service bar (O-114). This bar recognizes officers whose duties involve a specialty instruction. Examples would include; firearms, first aid, physical fitness/techniques of arrest, etc.

Officer of the Year Award: This badge is a green, red, and white service bar with a red star in the center (I-208). This bar recognizes officers who are selected as officer of the year. This achievement recognizes a variety of abilities and achievements including peer selection and selection by organizations outside the Department.

Field Training Officer Award: This badge is a green and white service bar with the letters FTO in the center (H-107). This bar recognizes officers who have been selected to train junior officers.

Award for completion of FBI NA / NU SPSC / SPI AOC: These badges shall be in the design and colors specified by the issuing organization. These badges shall be awarded to those officers who have successfully completed any of the following:

a) Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy

b) Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command

Honor Guard Award: This badge is a red, white, and blue service bar with the words “Honor Guard” in the center (A-301). This badge recognizes officers who have been appointed to the Honor Guard.

School Resource Officer Award: This badge is a blue and gold service bar with the letters SRO in the center (U-140). This bar recognizes officers who have been selected and trained as a school resource officer.