The Pima County Sheriff's Department awards medals and certificates to members of the Department and citizens of the community to recognize acts of heroism, the performance of outstanding service, or injuries sustained in the line of duty. Individuals may be selected to receive any of the awards, listed below in order of precedence:

• Medal of Honor
• Medal of Valor
• Medal of Merit
• Purple Heart
• Public Safety Achievement Medal
• Public Service Achievement Medal
• Honorable Service Medal
• Sheriff's Citizen's Medal
• Shannon Russell Outstanding Corrections Officer of the Year
• Sheriff's Unit Commendation
• Sheriff's Commendation
• Special Recognition

The Medal of Honor is awarded to a member of the Department who is distinguished in a conspicuous manner through a specific act of gallantry and intrepidity, risking his or her life above and beyond the call of duty. The gallantry of the act must render the recipient so far above all others that it is clearly distinguishable from lesser forms of bravery. The deed must be one that would not have caused justifiable criticism had it not been performed and the act may not be detrimental to the mission of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.

List of recipients

The Medal of Valor is awarded to a member of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department who is distinguished by an act of gallantry while engaged in any action against an adversary of Pima County, the State of Arizona, or the United States of America. Although it does not meet the criteria for the Medal of Honor, the act renders the recipient conspicuously above the expected standard of conduct.

List of recipients

The Medal of Merit is awarded to a member of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department who is distinguished by an act of heroism not involving criminal action. When an actual or attempted life-saving act is being considered, the deed must have been at the risk of the recipient’s own life.

List of recipients

The Purple Heart is awarded to a person serving in any capacity with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department who has been, or may hereafter be, wounded or killed while engaged in any action against an adversary of Pima County, the State of Arizona, or the United States of America.

List of recipients

The Public Safety Achievement Medal is awarded to members of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department or members of other public safety agencies for meritorious service involving imminent personal danger, extreme physical challenge and/or hardship, or the administration of medical assistance that does not rise to the level of a Medal of Merit or Medal of Valor.

List of recipients

The Public Service Achievement Medal is awarded to members of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department or members of other public safety agencies for exemplary performance of assigned duties during the year. The actions of the recipient must exhibit an outstanding degree of dedication and devotion above and beyond professional standards.

List of recipients

The Honorable Service Medal is awarded to members of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department upon completion of twenty (20) years of active service or retirement from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.

List of recipients

The Citizen’s Medal is presented to citizens of the community, who are not members of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, for exemplary service to the citizens of Pima County.

List of recipients

This award was created in 2003 to honor the late Corrections Officer Shannon Russell, who was an inspiration and role model for every officer who knew him. Corrections Officer Russell was a knowledgeable officer who was wholly dedicated to his job and training. The recipient of this award has exceptionally high standards, a dedication to duty and professionalism in the day-to-day performance of his or her duties.

List of recipients

List of recipients

The Sheriff’s Commendation is awarded to members of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, members of other law enforcement agencies, or citizens of the community for dedication to public safety, outstanding commitment and devotion to the Department, or exceptional service to the community.

List of recipients