The Medal of Valor is awarded to individual Police Officers and Firefighters who have distinguished themselves by bravery, heroism or other outstanding meritorious actions beyond the normal demands of protection service. The primary distinction for purposes of awarding the Medal of Valor is the imminent threat of great bodily harm or loss of life to the officer, a colleague or a citizen. The Medal of Valor Committee of the joint South Bay area Chambers of Commerce (including El Segundo, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Inglewood, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach and Torrance) cooperates with Police and Fire Departments in awarding the Medal of Valor. To maintain the high standards set for the award, nominees are carefully selected by senior officers in their departments. Those deemed worthy of recognition are screened by the department chief for approval.