California Celebrates Everyday Heroes with Medal of Valor Awards
Thirty-six California state employees have received the Governor’s Medal of Valor, the highest honor given to state workers for acts of bravery and heroism. The award recognizes people who put themselves in danger to help others during emergencies.
The employees work for several state agencies and were honored for actions that helped save lives during fires, traffic accidents, medical emergencies, rescue situations, and other dangerous events. Many risked their own safety to help strangers, coworkers, and community members in need.
Governor Gavin Newsom praised the recipients for going above and beyond the call of duty. The Medal of Valor is the highest recognition the State of California can give to its employees for extraordinary acts of courage. More than 800 state employees have received the award since the program began in 1959.
The award highlights the important role public servants play every day in protecting California communities. While many state employees work behind the scenes, these honorees demonstrated exceptional bravery when lives were at risk.
Their actions remind us that heroes can be found in every profession. Whether responding to emergencies, helping people escape danger, or providing life-saving assistance, these state employees showed what it means to serve others with courage and compassion.
As California celebrates these 36 recipients, their stories serve as an inspiration to communities across the state and a reminder that one person can make a difference in someone else’s life.
📖 Read the full CalHR press release:
https://www.calhr.ca.gov/2026/06/12/36-state-employees-awarded-governors-medal-of-valor-for-acts-of-extraordinary-heroism/
