Va. Code § 9.1-800
There is hereby established the Commonwealth Public Safety Medal of Valor. The Governor may award and present the Commonwealth Public Safety Medal of Valor, of appropriate design with ribbons and appurtenances, to a Virginia public safety officer, dispatcher as defined in § 56-484.16:1, or dispatcher employed by the Department of State Police for performance above and beyond the call of duty involving extraordinary valor in the face of grave danger, at great personal risk. The public safety officer, dispatcher as defined in § 56-484.16:1, or dispatcher employed by the Department of State Police shall have exhibited uncommon valor, which clearly distinguishes the officer as performing above and beyond normal job requirements. The Commonwealth Public Safety Medal of Valor shall be the highest award for valor by a public safety officer, dispatcher as defined in § 56-484.16:1, or dispatcher employed by the Department of State Police conferred by the Commonwealth. The Governor may select no more than three recipients for the Commonwealth Public Safety Medal of Valor award each year, unless the Governor determines that extraordinary circumstances warrant the selection of additional recipients.
Va. Code § 9.1-800