Public Safety Program

The VFW Department of Wisconsin Public Safety Program recognizes the dedicated first responders who protect our communities while encouraging VFW Posts to promote safety awareness through meaningful local initiatives. From honoring outstanding law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, dispatchers, and other public safety professionals to supporting community education on highway, pedestrian, recreational, home, fire, and drug safety, this program empowers Posts to make a lasting impact. Explore the resources below to learn how your Post can nominate deserving public servants, conduct safety-related activities, submit reports, and strengthen the partnership between the VFW and the communities we proudly serve.

NOTE: Start early on these. The January 1st submission date will sneak up on you.

Five Award Categories

Wisconsin VFW presents recognition awards for five categories of public safety including emergency medical technician (EMT), law enforcement, firefighter, 911 dispatch, and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technician.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Award

Any individual/group, who actively gives emergency medical treatment, provides rescue service or civil disaster assistance as a member of any public or volunteer company organized to give emergency medical care, provide rescue and civil disaster assistance to our nation’s citizens.

Law Enforcement Award

Any individual/group, who serves in a municipal, county, state or federal unit tasked with enforcement of the laws pertaining to their area of responsibility. This award does not apply to an individual employed by private companies or security services.

Firefighter Award

Any individual/group, who actively fights fires as a member of any public or volunteer company organized to fight fires and give assistance to our nation’s citizens.

911 Dispatcher Award

Any individual/group who serves in a municipal, county, state, or federal unit tasked with providing the vital link between callers in distress and emergency response team by obtaining essential information to send the appropriate responders to the right location.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician Award

Any individual/group, who serves in a municipal, county, state or f ederal unit tasked with the enforcement of the laws and special handling pertaining to disposal of explosive threats to our nation’s citizens.

Awards Criteria

Candidates must have:

  • Been recognized by their colleagues or those they serve.
  • Demonstrated consistent excellence in the performance of their duties.
  • Displayed consistent dedication to their official responsibilities over a period of years.
  • Shown continuous growth in responsibilities and skills within their profession.

Documentation Required

  • Nomination letter containing the candidate's name, title, address, telephone number, and identifying award for which the individual should be considered
  • One page resume of the candidate's overall background
  • One page resume of the candidate's background in their field
  • One page resume of the candidate's accomplishment and award in their field
  • Photograph (preferable a head shot) of the candidate

Program Deadlines

  • Post winners must be submitted to State Chairman by January 1
  • State winners will be forwarded to National by February 1