To be eligible for the award, the nominee must be an individual legally residing in the United States or its territories who is not an employee of a government entity – including federal, state, local, tribal or territorial governments.  Volunteer first responders are eligible, including firefighters, emergency medical providers, and law enforcement personnel who serve on a volunteer basis.  Eligible nominees may also be organizations other than government entities based in the United States or its territories.  Eligible organizations include both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations.