President Joe Biden bestowed the nation's highest honor for public service to several members of the NYPD and FDNY on Wednesday.
The president said the six local heroes showed extraordinary valor that went above and beyond the call of duty, with two even losing their lives to protect others.
"To the honorees, I don't know all of you, but I know you. From small towns to big cities, you're cut from same cloth. You run into danger when everyone runs away," Biden said.
Among the nine recipients of the 2021-2022 Medal of Valor were fallen NYPD detectives Jason Rivera and Wilbert Mora.
"To the families and loved ones of detectives Wilbert Mora and Jason Rivera, we know it's impossible to understand the grief you endure or to fully comprehend your loss," Attorney General Merrick Garland said.