About NPD

Awards  

The Northampton Police Department authorizes police officers to wear commendation bars that are presented to them as a result of their distinguished service.  These colorful bars are worn above the police badge and are awarded for honorable acts achieved by the receiving officers.  They include the following:

	Medal of Valor Awarded for an individual act of heroism, at imminent personal hazard of life, while in combat with an assaultive, armed adversary, or while engaged in a high-risk life-saving action
	Meritorious Service Medal Awarded for a highly unusual accomplishment under adverse conditions with some degree of hazard of injury to the nominee, or where an injury to a third party is prevented
	Exceptional Duty Medal Awarded for a highly commendable accomplishment or act, either on or off duty, accomplished as a result of training, devotion to duty or service to the public
	Life Saving Medal Awarded for an act performed in the line of duty, with disregard of the nominee's personal safety; or through prompt and alert emergency medical action, results in saving a life
	Unit Citation Medal Awarded for participation of the members of an operating unit and/or departmental group in a noteworthy action that through their individual contributions to a joint endeavor, results in commendable accomplishment, and/or  public accolades are bestowed upon them and the department as a whole
	Honorable Service Medal Awarded for an outstanding creditable act, or a history of accomplishments, in the line of duty performed in an exemplary manner, exhibiting initative, dedication, a positive attitude, a consistent attention to duty and represents praiseworthy service