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California: Governor Newsom honors public safety officers and state employees for exceptional bravery

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Jun 16, 2026

Governor Newsom honors public safety officers and state employees for exceptional bravery

What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom today honored 38 Californians whose acts of courage and selflessness went far beyond the call of duty. Two public safety officers received the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor, while 36 state employees received the Governor's State Employee Medal of Valor—the highest honors California can bestow upon public servants.

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today recognized 38 Californians for extraordinary acts of bravery, leadership, and service in life-threatening situations. Two recipients were awarded the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor, and 36 public servants received the Governor's State Employee Medal of Valor, California's highest honors for public service.

These public servants represent the very best of California. When confronted with danger, uncertainty, and moments that demanded immediate action, they stepped forward without hesitation. Their courage saved lives, their selflessness inspired others, and their service reminds us that heroism is not defined by a title—it is defined by the choices we make when others need us most.

Governor Gavin Newsom

Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor

Established under the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Act of 2003, the award recognizes public safety officers who display extraordinary valor above and beyond the call of duty. Recipients are selected through a nomination and review process led by the California Department of Justice and the Medal of Valor Review Board.

"As California's Chief Law Enforcement Officer, I am honored to be a part of presenting the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor," said Attorney General Rob Bonta. "This medal represents the highest honor our state can bestow upon those on the frontlines. When faced with grave danger, these courageous officers didn't hesitate to put their lives on the line to protect and defend others. Their selfless actions went far above and beyond the call of duty and their courage leaves a long-lasting impact on our communities."

This year's recipients

Sergeant George Imirian, Fresno Police Department

On October 26, 2024, Sergeant Imirian responded to reports of gunfire and a homicide scene. When the armed suspect returned and opened fire on his patrol vehicle, striking him multiple times, Sergeant Imirian pursued and engaged the suspect despite his injuries. Before collapsing from blood loss, he called for medical assistance for both himself and the suspect, helping bring the incident to a close and preventing further harm.

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Governor Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Medal of Valor recipient, Sergeant George Imirian, at today's ceremony.

Officer Adam Yu, Long Beach Police Department

On May 13, 2024, Officer Yu responded to a crash involving a stolen vehicle following a freeway pursuit. After helping remove multiple occupants, he learned an individual remained trapped inside as flames began engulfing the vehicle. Officer Yu led fellow officers back to the burning car and helped free the trapped passenger, saving her life moments before the vehicle became fully engulfed.

Governor Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Medal of Valor recipient, Officer Adam Yu, at today's ceremony.

For b-roll of today's event, click here.

Governor's State Employee Medal of Valor Award

Sponsored by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR), the Governor's State Employee Medal of Valor recognizes state employees who demonstrate extraordinary courage in the face of danger. Since the program's inception in 1959, more than 850 state employees have received the award.

This year's recipients include public servants who confronted active shooters, rescued civilians from wildfires and vehicle crashes, shielded children from gunfire, and saved lives during emergencies across California.

36 California state employees recognized at the Governor's State Employee Medal of Valor Ceremony at the California Highway Patrol Academy in West Sacramento on June 12th, 2026.

Among those honored is a California Highway Patrol officer who sprinted toward an active shooter at an Oroville elementary school, helping neutralize the threat and provide lifesaving care to injured children. Another recipient rescued a truck driver trapped in a burning vehicle during a fast-moving wildfire and coordinated an emergency helicopter evacuation as conditions deteriorated around him.

This year's class also includes a rare family legacy of valor – a Caltrans employee honored for rescuing an elderly woman from a vehicle that plunged down a steep embankment is the father of a 2019 Medal of Valor recipient, reflecting a multigenerational commitment to extraordinary public service.

To view the full list of recipients, award levels, and employing departments, click here.

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