Governor Mike Parson announced that the state, for the first time, will begin honoring first responders who are seriously injured in the line of duty as they carry out their official responsibilities. The Missouri Red, White and Blue Heart Award will be awarded for injuries sustained on the job, beginning with the year 2021.

According to a news release, the Missouri Medal of Valor Review Board, an 11-member panel appointed by the Missouri Governor, has approved the addition of the Red, White and Blue Award to the annual state public safety awards for which it reviews nominations and recommends honorees to the Governor.

The new award is intended to recognize first responders who sustain injuries that require long-term treatment by a medical professional and involve considerable loss of time from duty. In cases in which a first responder is killed, the award will be presented to a family member.

The application for the award for persons sustaining serious injuries in the line of duty during 2021 is available on the Missouri Department of Public Safety Medals website at https://dps.mo.gov/medal/. Nominations will only be accepted from the chief executive of the public safety agency that employs the nominee.

The nomination deadline is Monday, February 28. A date has not been set for a ceremony recognizing the Red, White and Blue Heart Award recipients for injuries sustained in 2021.