Vice President Joe Biden and Attorney General Eric Holder present the Medal of Valor Officer Sean Haller of the California Highway Patrol, Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013, during a ceremony in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House complex in Washington. The medal is the highest national award for valor by a public safety officer. The medal is awarded to public safety officers who have exhibited exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, in the attempt to save or protect human life. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
Vice President Joe Biden presents the Medal of Valor to Wildlife Officer Michael Neal of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013, during a ceremony in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House complex in Washington. The medal is the highest national award for valor by a public safety officer. The medal is awarded to public safety officers who have exhibited exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, in the attempt to save or protect human life. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
Vice President Joe Biden presents the Medal of Valor to Officer Reeshemah Taylor of the Osceola County Corrections Department in Florida., Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013, during a ceremony in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House complex in Washington. The medal is the highest national award for valor by a public safety officer. The medal is awarded to public safety officers who have exhibited exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, in the attempt to save or protect human life. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
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WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Joe Biden has awarded the Medal of Valor to 18 police officers, firefighters and public safety officers. It's the nation's highest honor for public safety officers and recognizes those who risk their own safety to save or protect others.
Biden and Attorney General Eric Holder presented the medals at an emotional ceremony attended by family members and fellow officers.
Four of the recipients died in the line of duty. Their spouses and colleagues accepted the awards on their behalf.
Biden says public safety officers are the spine of the nation. He says it's sad it takes an extraordinary act for the public to recognize their sacrifices and courage.
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Online:
Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor: www.ojp.usdoj.gov/medalofvalor
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