Conn. lawmakers hold hearing on new civilian medal

WATERBURY, Conn. (AP) — State lawmakers are considering creating a new civilian medal of honor to recognize citizens who save a life or risk their own lives in the service of the state or their community.

The legislature's Public Safety and Security Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on the proposal and several other bills Monday at the University of Connecticut's Waterbury campus.

The medal would be for "valorous and heroic" deeds performed by people who save a life, are injured or die in service to the state or community or act on behalf of the health, welfare or safety of others.

The legislation would create a nine-member board that would recommend nominees to the commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, who would be authorized to award the medals.