For Immediate Release
Office of the Vice President
February 14, 2003
VP's Remarks at Public Safety Officer Awards
Room 450
Eisenhower Executive Office Building
4:15 P.M. EST
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Thank you. (Applause.) Thank you, very
much. Well, thank you very much, John. And I -- like you -- am
humbled by the people we're sharing the stage with this
afternoon. It's obviously a historic ceremony for all of us.
As Americans we know that each human life is precious. We
believe those who place their own lives at risk to save or protect
others deserve to be recognized and honored by their grateful fellow
citizens. That's why in May of 2001, President Bush signed into law
the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Act. And that's why we're
gathered here today to confer, for the first time, this high
honor, the Medal of Valor, on 10 exceptionally heroic public
servants.
The firefighters and law enforcement officers whom we honor
today have all exhibited exceptional courage, extraordinary
decisiveness and remarkable presence of mind. Each of them
faced and overcame life-threatening dangers. Each of them made
split-second decisions in situations where there was not the
slightest room for error. And each of them risked his life without
hesitation on behalf of total strangers. In honoring these outstanding
individuals, we also honor their colleagues, the public safety
officers who serve us every day, all across America. The
contributions that these dedicated public servants make to
their communities and to the country are beyond measure. And the
courage they exhibit in carrying out their hazardous duties every
day is also beyond measure.
In these challenging times, the heroic efforts made by our
public safety officers are an inspiration to us all. It's been said
that America is a nation that empowers ordinary individuals to do
extraordinary things. The 10 public safety officers we're honoring
today are ordinary only in the sense that they're not celebrities --
at least not yet. (Laughter.) But when it comes to willingness to
answer the call to service, to go above and beyond the call of duty, to
be there when life itself hangs in the balance, today's Medal of Valor
recipients are anything but ordinary. They are some of the finest,
bravest, most admirable Americans of our time. And we are very
fortunate to have such heroes in our midst. Now it's my very special
privilege to present each of them with the Public Safety Officer
Medal of Valor.
John, if you'll join me up here.
(Awards presented.)
(Applause.)
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Thank you, all, very much.
END 4:20 P.M.
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