How to Get a Law Enforcement Purple Heart

The Law Enforcement Purple Heart is based on the award given in the United States military. General George Washington first gave a purple heart in 1782 to soldiers who showed extraordinary fidelity, essential service and unusual gallantry. Since then, the military and the law enforcement agencies have carried on this tradition.

Instructions

1. Be involved in some sort of law enforcement agency. Police officers, federal agents and DEA agents are all eligible for the Law Enforcement Purple Heart.

2. Become injured while on duty. The Purple Heart is awarded to law enforcement officers who are injured or killed while on duty. Different agencies have different criteria. Most require that officers miss at least three duty days due to the injury.

3. Put in for the award. An officer who is injured or killed must be recommended for the Purple Heart. It must go through the chain of command. Review the governing regulations to see who must put in for this award.

4. Wear your Purple Heart with pride. The awarding of a Purple Heart is significant. If you receive this award, you are among an honored few.

5. Memorialize agents who have died and whose family accepts their Purple Heart. They deserve respect for sacrificing their lives for the safety of others. Their families also deserve to be honored for their sacrifice.

Tips & Warnings

• Join organizations for those who have been awarded the Purple Heart. They participate in scholarships, fund raisers and awareness programs.