Awards

The Westfield Police Department has established an awards program that formally recognizes exceptional acts of service by its members through the issuance of police citation bars.  

The military was the first to issue citation bars around the time of the Civil War.  At first, citation bars were given on an unofficial basis at the direction of a commanding officer.  It was only later that citation bars were formally introduced and awarded.  Law enforcement subsequently adopted the concept of police citation bars, albeit on a smaller scale, that made them more manageable for everyday wear.

In accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:14-153 Records and badges of awards to members and officers, "Whenever an award shall be made to a member or officer of the police department or force for heroic or meritorious service by a national or statewide police service organization or a governmental or voluntary agency, a record of such award shall be made by the Chief of Police or other person in charge of the department or force of which the recipient is a member or officer, and it shall constitute part of his [or her] service record."

"If the recipient receives a bar, medal or other similar device representing said award which can be conveniently worn, upon authorization, it shall be worn above or opposite the police badge, whichever is appropriate.  Medals awarded by the Fraternal Order of Police Grand Lodge, the Fraternal Order of Police New Jersey State Lodge, Honor Legion or New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association shall not require authorization to be worn.  Unauthorized persons shall not wear any such bar or device or imitation thereof."

Below are the authorized citation bars of the Westfield Police Department and a brief description of their meaning.  These awards are presented on a bi-annual basis by the Chief of Police, in conjunction with the Westfield Policemen’s Benevolent Association Locals No. 90 & 90A, the labor unions representing the rank-and-file members and superior officers of the Westfield Police Department.  

In accordance with Westfield Police Department standard operating procedure, citation bars shall be worn affixed to a leather citation bar holder and in conjunction with the police breast badge and name plate.  They are displayed just above the police breast badge on the leather citation holder and in the order of precedence as seen below.

MEDAL OF HONOR A conspicuous act of individual bravery or heroism.
MEDAL OF VALOR Distinguished meritorious achievement.
LIFE SAVING MEDAL The saving of a human life.
MEDAL OF MERIT An act of valuable police service or distinctive accomplishment.
COMMAND CITATION Police work beyond an ordinary or routine nature.
UNIT CITATION Participation of members of an operating unit in a cited action.
HURRICANE SANDY SERVICE AWARD Exemplary service performed during the "State of Emergency" caused by Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
COVID-19 EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARD Exceptional service performed during the "State of Emergency" and "Public Health Crisis" caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020.