President Signs Medal of Sacrifice Act Establishing Honors for Fallen Law Enforcement

WASHINGTON, May 28, 2026 — President signed H.R. 3497, the Medal of Sacrifice Act of 2025, into law on Thursday, creating a new federal medal to honor law enforcement officers and first responders killed in the line of duty.

The law applies to eligible officers and first responders who die while performing official duties. It covers personnel from federal, state, and local agencies, though the statute does not specify numerical estimates for annual awards. The Department of Justice and other federal entities that already administer the Public Safety Officers' Benefits program will incorporate the medal into existing line-of-duty death review processes.

Prior to the signing, no dedicated Medal of Sacrifice existed in federal statute. The new law establishes the medal as an official decoration, sets eligibility criteria tied to line-of-duty deaths, and directs implementing agencies to create award procedures. The changes take effect immediately upon enactment on May 28, 2026.

Downstream, the Justice Department must now issue implementing guidance and begin accepting nominations for the medal. Agencies that track line-of-duty deaths will add medal consideration to their review protocols, creating new administrative steps for survivor notifications and posthumous award presentations.

Congress retains oversight authority over the program and may appropriate funds for production and ceremonies in future budgets. The medal also provides a standardized federal recognition that families can reference in benefits claims and memorial proceedings.

This marks the latest congressional action to expand formal honors for public safety personnel. The Public Safety Officers' Benefits program, which provides financial support to survivors of law enforcement officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty, has operated since 1976 under Justice Department administration.