§ 165-44.01. Wearing of medals by public safety personnel. - North Carolina Statutes

§ 165‑44.01.  Wearing ofmedals by public safety personnel.

(a)        Uniformed publicsafety officers may wear military service medals during the business week priorto Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and the Fourth of July, the day of Veterans Day,Memorial Day, and the Fourth of July, and the business day immediatelyfollowing Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and the Fourth of July.

(b)        The employer of auniformed public safety officer shall retain the right to prohibit the wearingof military service medals pursuant to this subsection if the employerdetermines that wearing the military service medals poses a safety hazard tothe uniformed public safety officer or to the public. Any prohibition underthis subsection shall only be effective if adopted after this section becomeslaw.

(c)        This section shallbe interpreted in accordance with all applicable federal laws and regulations.

(d)        The followingdefinitions shall apply in this section:

(1)        Military servicemedal. – Any medal, badge, ribbon, or other decoration awarded by the active orreserve components of the armed forces of the United States, the North CarolinaAir National Guard, or the North Carolina Army National Guard to members ofthose forces.

(2)        Public safetyofficer. – An employee of a public safety agency who is a law enforcementofficer, a firefighter, or emergency medical services personnel.

(e)        Uniformed publicsafety officers may not cover their badges when wearing military service medalsin compliance with this section.  (2009‑240, s. 1.)