Medal of Sacrifice becomes law

WASHINGTON - U.S. Representative Brian Mast (FL-21) joined President Donald J. Trump in the Oval Office for the signing of his bill- the Medal of Sacrifice Act (H.R. 3497)-establishing a new honor for law enforcement officers and first responders killed in the line of duty.

"Today, the highest office in our land has sworn to families of fallen officers or first responders: your loved one's name will be honored and remembered by the President of the United States and a grateful nation," said Rep. Brian Mast. "I'll keep working to see that the men and women who stand between us and danger know that this country will never forget what they gave."

The Medal of Sacrifice Act creates a new presidential honor given posthumously to law enforcement officers and first responders killed in the line of duty. The medal itself-designed by Tiffany & Co. in gold vermeil, featuring the U.S. coat of arms, three oak leaves representing strength, resilience, and the families of the fallen, and inscribed with the word "SACRIFICE"- is paired with a blue ribbon for law enforcement officers and a red ribbon for first responders, respectively.

The first medals were awarded on May 19, 2025 to the loved ones of Palm Beach County Sheriff's Deputies Ralph "Butch" Waller, Ignacio "Dan" Diaz, and Corporal Luis Paez, who were struck and killed by a vehicle while on motorcycle patrol on November 21, 2024.

The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives on February 2, 2026, and was passed unanimously by the U.S. Senate during National Police Week. Companion legislation was led by U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV). The legislation is endorsed by the National Police Association and the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA).

"Police officers knowingly place themselves in harm's way to keep us safe and protect our sacred rights. Sadly, when one of these heroes is killed, their sacrifice is quickly forgotten, if even acknowledged," said Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director, National Police Association. "The Medal of Sacrifice Act provides a meaningful way to pay tribute to these heroes as well as to honor their families, who have sacrificed everything and continue to experience unimaginable grief. This medal will also serve as a symbol of the public's profound gratitude for the men and women who stand between us and lawlessness and uphold the U.S. Constitution," Fitzsimmons added.

"The Medal of Sacrifice Act represents a meaningful and long-overdue commitment to honoring the families of law enforcement officers and first responders who have given everything in service to their communities and this nation. By recognizing their sacrifice with a presidentially presented medal, this legislation ensures that their loved ones know their loss is seen, remembered, and respected at the highest level of our government," said Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) National President Mathew Silverman. "FLEOA applauds Representative Brian Mast, the bill's co-sponsors, and the House Judiciary Committee for advancing this bipartisan, commonsense legislation. The symbolism of this medal, and the solemn responsibility it represents, reinforces a simple truth: behind every fallen officer is a family whose sacrifice must never be forgotten. We strongly urge Congress to swiftly pass this important legislation."

"The names on National Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial in Washington, D.C. are a stark reminder that law enforcement officers perform one of the toughest, most dangerous jobs in America and the high price police officers and their families pay to protect and serve," said NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA) President Vincent Vallelong. "The 'Medal of Sacrifice' is a small but powerful expression of gratitude to surviving families of their loved ones' service and sacrifice. The SBA is grateful for Rep. Mast's leadership on this legislation and his commitment to honoring our nation's law enforcement heroes and their families."