Awards

Description of Class I Awards

Class II Awards are also given with the department.

Medal of Valor - Presented to a member of the Department who intelligently in the line of duty distinguishes himself by performing an act of gallantry, bravery, or valor which involved imminent personal hazard with full knowledge of risk. The Medal of Valor is the highest award presented by the Bettendorf Police Department. The presentation includes and award certificate, the Medal of Valor, and a uniform citation bar.

Combat Cross - Presented to a member of the Department who, while engaged in a personal combat with an armed adversary where personal hazard to the officer's life exists, displays extraordinary heroism involving an intelligent performance of duty. This act includes, but is not limited to, the use of firearms. The presentation includes an award certificate, the Combat Cross, and a uniform citation bar.

Wounded in Combat - Presented to a member of the Department who receives in the line of duty during an intelligent act a wound inflicted intentionally by an adversary which results in severe puncture injuries, lacerations, fractures, or concussion. The presentation includes the Wounded in Combat medal and a uniform citation bar.
Exceptional Service - Presented to a member of the Department who under adverse conditions with some degree of hazard to life and limb, or where death or injury to a third party occurs, performs a highly unusual accomplishment to meet the police mission. This award can also be present when the member performs a highly creditable accomplishment bringing public acclaim to a member, the Department, or the police profession as a result of training, devotion to duty, or service to the public. The recipient will, upon being recognized, be awarded a certificate, the Exceptional Service Medal, and a uniform citation bar.

Honorable Service - Presented to a member of the Department for a creditable act in the line of duty which meets some, but not all of the requirements for other medals and is unusual in nature showing initiative and accomplishment. This award will include a certificate, the Honorable Service Medal, and a uniform citation bar. 

Medal for Lifesaving - The Medal for Lifesaving shall be awarded to members who act to save or preserve a life or lives that would otherwise have expired without the direct actions undertaken of a member. The victim(s) must have survived for a reasonable amount of time after the incident, as determined by the Honors Committee.  The member needs not have been subjected to personal risk by performing the act. This award includes a certificate, the Medal for Lifesaving, and a uniform citation bar.

Chief's Achievement - The Chief's Achievement may be awarded by the Chief of Police to members of the Department, members of other law enforcement agencies, or citizens who by their actions have demonstrated conduct that is clearly beyond normal expectations. The Chief's Achievement shall be awarded at the sole discretion of the Chief without review of the Honors Committee. This award includes a certificate, the Chief's Achievement Medal, and a uniform citation bar.