The VFW Department of Illinois is committed to honoring the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication of the public safety professionals who protect our communities every day. Through our Public Safety Recognition Program, we proudly recognize outstanding Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters, EMS Professionals, 911 Dispatchers, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technicians whose service goes above and beyond the call of duty. We encourage every community to nominate these exceptional heroes so their commitment, professionalism, and selfless service receive the recognition they have earned.
AWARD CATEGORIES:
The Veterans of Foreign Wars is honored to recognize the unsung heroes of our local public safety and service communities—the dedicated men and women who protect, serve, and respond when our communities need them most. Through this recognition, the VFW proudly honors their courage, commitment, and selfless service while ensuring their extraordinary contributions do not go unnoticed.
LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS:
This award honors municipal, county, state, and federal law enforcement officers who serve their communities by enforcing public law; private security personnel are not eligible.
FIRE FIGHTERS / FIRE PROTECTION:
This award honors individuals actively engaged in firefighting, rescue operations, and community protection through dedicated public or volunteer service.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIANS (EMT):
This award recognizes individuals or teams who provide emergency medical care, rescue services, or civil disaster response through a public agency or volunteer organization.
EMERGENCY (911) DISPATCHERS:
This award recognizes emergency dispatchers who serve as the vital link between those in distress and emergency responders, providing critical coordination that ensures help is dispatched quickly and accurately.
EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL TECHNICIANS:
This award honors individuals who protect lives and communities by identifying, managing, and safely neutralizing explosive threats in public service, military, or law enforcement roles.
CRITERIA:
Nominees must demonstrate:
- Strong recognition and respect from colleagues, peers, and the individuals or communities they serve.
- A consistent record of excellence, professionalism, and outstanding performance in carrying out their duties.
- A clear commitment to professional development, personal responsibility, and meaningful service to their community.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION:
#1. A completed Nomination Form.
#2. A nomination letter(s) including:
- Nominations information (Name, Title, address, phone number, email address)
- Background, accompishments, awards
- Justification for the nomination
DEADLINES:
- December 1st: Entries are due to the local VFW Post.
- December 15th: VFW Post entries forwarded to the VFW District.
- January 1st: VFW District entries forwarded to the VFW Department.
- February 1st: VFW Department entries forwarded to the VFW National Headquarters.
Submission Instructions
- Nominations shall be received at Post, District, Department, National no later than date annotated in deadlines section.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
You can email us at vfwil@vfwil.org or call us at 217-529-6688
