Valor Awards Criteria
Honoring Extraordinary Courage. Celebrating Selfless Service.
The Henry County Valor Awards recognize excellence across the many disciplines of public safety and healthcare. From extraordinary acts of heroism to sustained leadership and community impact, each award celebrates individuals and teams whose dedication has made Henry County a safer, stronger place to live.
Medal of Valor – Gold
The highest honor bestowed by the Henry County Valor Awards. The Gold Medal of Valor recognizes an extraordinary act of heroism in which a public safety professional knowingly risked their own life to save another. It represents courage in its purest form and honors those who place the lives of others above their own in the face of imminent danger.
Medal of Valor – Silver
The Silver Medal of Valor honors public safety professionals who demonstrated exceptional bravery while facing significant personal danger. These individuals went far beyond the normal expectations of duty to protect lives, preserve public safety, or respond decisively during a critical emergency.
Medal of Valor – Bronze
The Bronze Medal of Valor recognizes exceptional leadership, sound judgment, and decisive action during emergency situations. This award celebrates those whose professionalism, initiative, and calm under pressure resulted in outstanding outcomes for the people they serve.
Lifesaving Award
Every life saved is a story worth celebrating. The Lifesaving Award honors public safety professionals whose swift actions, expertise, and commitment directly preserved or saved the life of another person during a life-threatening emergency or crisis.
Community Impact Award
Public safety extends far beyond emergency response. The Community Impact Award recognizes innovative programs, initiatives, and partnerships that strengthen neighborhoods, build trust, and create lasting improvements in the safety and quality of life for Henry County residents.
Merit Award
Some contributions simply don't fit within a single moment—they define an entire career of excellence. The Merit Award recognizes extraordinary service, sustained professional achievement, and exceptional contributions that have strengthened an agency or made a meaningful impact throughout Henry County.
Public Safety Award
Public safety is a community effort. This award recognizes civilians whose courage, initiative, and willingness to help during an emergency or public safety incident made a meaningful difference and demonstrated the power of community partnership.
Carlotta Harrell Leadership Award
Named in honor of Henry County Board of Commissioners Chair Carlotta Harrell, this distinguished award recognizes public safety leaders who inspire others through collaboration, mentorship, innovation, and community engagement. It celebrates leaders who build stronger organizations, stronger partnerships, and a safer Henry County for all.
Healthcare (Frontline) Warrior Award
The Healthcare (Frontline) Warrior Award honors healthcare and public health professionals whose compassion, resilience, and unwavering dedication have made an extraordinary impact on the health and well-being of Henry County. Whether through lifesaving care, crisis response, exceptional leadership, or compassionate service, this award celebrates those who go above and beyond to care for others when they are needed most.
The 2026 Valor Awards celebrate the individuals and teams whose commitment goes beyond the call of duty and inspires confidence, strengthens our community, and exemplifies the very best of public service. Through this annual recognition program, we proudly honor those who answer the call when Henry County needs them most.
Become a 2026 Valor Awards Sponsor
Stand with the heroes who stand for Henry County. Sponsoring the Henry County Valor Awards is a meaningful way to recognize the dedication and sacrifice of our public safety and healthcare professionals while showcasing your organization's commitment to the community.
Download the Sponsorship Package to explore sponsorship opportunities and benefits. Whether you're looking for premier event visibility, reserved seating for clients and guests, or a more personal role in the program, there's a sponsorship level to match your goals.
For a truly memorable experience, become an Award Presenter Sponsor and take the stage to present one of the Valor Awards to an outstanding public safety or healthcare professional. It's a unique opportunity to personally honor those whose service has made a lasting impact on Henry County.
Purchase your sponsorship now and join us in celebrating those who answer the call when our community needs them most.
2026 Valor Awards
Friday, November 13, 2026
Mount Olive Baptist Church
469 Mount Olive Road
Stockbridge, GA 30281
Presented By
Presented By
