PUBLIC SERVANT AND SAFETY

Department of Arizona Veterans of Foreign Wars

Each year, the Department of Arizona honors public servants who exemplify dedication, integrity, and excellence in service to their communities. Categories include:

  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

  • Law Enforcement Officer

  • Firefighter

  • 911 Dispatcher

  • Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician (EODT)

Reporting Procedures for Posts & Districts

Important Deadlines

  • Post to Department Deadline: January 1

  • Department to National Deadline: February 1

Nomination Process

   Step 1: Identify a Qualified Nominee

Eligible nominees must:

  • Be active in one of the five categories listed above.

  • Demonstrate recognized excellence, dedication, and long-term commitment to their profession.

 Step 2: Prepare the Required Documentation

Each nomination must include:

  1. Public Servant Award Citation Post Entry Form Download Here
    Download the instructions here


  2. Nomination Letter
    Must include:

    • Candidate’s full name, title, address, telephone number

    • Specific award category being nominated for

  3. Justification Outline

    • Background and history in the field

    • Summary of accomplishments, awards, and recognitions

    • Evidence of sustained excellence and professional growth

  4. Photo of the nominee (optional but encouraged)

 Submission Process

 For Posts:

  • Submit one complete packet per nominee to your District Commander or District Safety Chair by January 1

 For Districts:

  • Review all Post-level submissions

  • Select one nominee per category to forward to the Department

 For Department:

  • Submit selected candidates to VFW National Headquarters via the Formstack link (provided annually to Department Adjutants and Quartermasters)

  • Deadline: February 1 to ensure recognition at the Department Convention

 Recognition

  • Department winners receive a citation and are honored during the Department Convention

  • Department winners are submitted for National-level awards

 Resources & Support