For Immediate Release

[Washington D.C.] – Police Officers’ Defense Coalition (PODC) proudly commends the U.S. House of Representatives for the passage of the Medal of Sacrifice Act, a bipartisan bill endorsed by Police Officers’ Defense Coalition that will ensure our nation’s fallen law enforcement officers and first responders receive lasting, presidentially-awarded recognition for their ultimate sacrifice. This critical legislation now moves to the U.S. Senate, and PODC strongly urges swift Senate passage so that it may be signed into law without delay.

“Police Officers’ Defense Coalition is on Capitol Hill every week meeting directly with members of Congress to advocate for the men and women who serve on the front lines of public safety,” said Bert Eyler, President of Police Officers’ Defense Coalition. “The Medal of Sacrifice Act is exactly the kind of legislation lawmakers from both parties tell us they support — honoring courage, recognizing loss, and standing with the families of fallen officers. We urge the Senate to pass this bill and send a clear message that America does not forget those who gave their lives in service.”

The Medal of Sacrifice Act establishes a new posthumous medal, presented by the Office of the President, to honor local, State, Tribal, territorial, and Federal law enforcement officers as well as first responders who have been killed in the line of duty. The bill was sponsored by Brian Mast of Florida’s 21st Congressional District, who has been a leading advocate for honoring fallen law enforcement officers and ensuring their sacrifice is formally recognized at the highest level of our nation’s government. The first medals were awarded in a solemn ceremony in the Oval Office to the families of three Palm Beach County sheriff’s deputies killed while serving their community.

This legislation has garnered broad support from across the law enforcement community, including national policing and first responder associations, underscoring both its patriotic purpose and its bipartisan appeal. Its passage in the House sends a clear message that America stands with those who serve and protect — and will never forget their sacrifice. 

The Police Officers’ Defense Coalition was formed to advocate for police officers, public safety officers, sheriffs, and those representing the law enforcement community to fight against the “War on Cops.” For more information, visit https://policeofficersdefensecoalition.com/ 

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