MINNEAPOLIS — Police officers from Minnesota and Wisconsin are being recognized with the Public Safety Medal of Valor — the highest national award for officers who show exceptional courage to protect human life. 

Vice President Joe Biden and Attorney General Eric Holder will present the awards today.

Duluth Police Sgt. Bradley Alan Wick is being honored for heroic actions while chasing a man and woman in 2011. The pair entered a home and shot a woman inside. Wick was ambushed by gunfire, but Wick returned fire and killed the man.

Oak Creek, Wisconsin, police Lt. Brian Murphy and Officer Savan Lenda are being honored for saving lives during the Aug. 15, 2012, shooting at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin. The gunman shot Murphy. Lenda returned fire and the gunman took their own life.