(a) The governor is authorized to award the North Star Medal directly or posthumously to any peace officer, correctional officer, firefighter, first responder, or member of a volunteer search and rescue group who dies or is seriously injured in the line of duty and has displayed exceptional bravery or heroism while performing those duties.
(b) The governor shall present recipients of the North Star Medal with a ribbon, medal, and citation during a ceremony that may not take place more than once a year. The North Star Medal will be awarded to the recipient or, in the event the recipient is no longer living, to the recipient’s next of kin.(c) Nominations for the North Star Medal must be submitted to the commissioner of public safety by the highest ranking supervisor in the department or organization of the nominee. After reviewing the nominations, the commissioner of public safety shall submit the name or names of persons recommended for the North Star Medal to the governor for approval.
