Bill > HB1544

This bill establishes the Maryland Law Enforcement Public Service Medal as the highest state honor for law enforcement officers, recognizing exceptional public service, valor, and heroism. The medal can be awarded by the Governor to sworn law enforcement officers who have demonstrated extraordinary courage, risked or sacrificed their lives to save others or prevent crimes, or significantly impacted public safety during emergencies. A Medal Review Committee within the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services will be responsible for evaluating nominations and recommending up to five recipients annually. The medal recipients will be honored at an official state ceremony in Annapolis, where they will receive a gold medallion with the state seal, a certificate of commendation, and be listed on a permanent honor roll. The bill also specifically memorializes the six workers who lost their lives in the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in 2024 and designates five law enforcement officers (Sergeant Paul Pastorek, Corporal Jeremy Herbert, Senior Officer William Kinsey, Officer Timothy Baublitz, and Officer Garry Kirts) to receive the medal at the first ceremony in March 2026 for their contributions during the bridge collapse. The medal's production and ceremony expenses will be funded through state budget appropriations and potential grants or private sponsorships. The bill will take effect on June 30, 2025.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services, Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1544?ys=2025RS