(1)(a) There is created the Florida Medal of Valor for first responders as defined in s. 112.1815 and related personnel. The medal may be awarded only to a first responder or related personnel who goes above and beyond the call of duty to save the life of an individual. (b) There is created the Florida Blue/Red Heart Medal. The medal shall be awarded to a law enforcement officer, firefighter, correctional officer, or correctional probation officer who is injured in the line of duty.
(2) The Governor, or his or her designee, may present the awards. The awards shall be issued and administered through the Department of Law Enforcement. A resident of this state or an employing agency in this state must apply for the Florida Medal of Valor or the Florida Blue/Red Heart Medal on behalf of the potential recipient.
(3)(a) An application for a medal under this section must be considered and acted upon by a board charged with the duty of evaluating the appropriateness of the application. The board shall be composed of five members as follows:1. Three members appointed by the Governor.
2. One member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
3. One member appointed by the President of the Senate.
(b) Members of the board shall serve 2-year terms. Any vacancy on the board must be filled within 3 months. At least three board members must be active, retired, or former law enforcement officers or firefighters.
