Eagle Scouts selected at the chapter level go on to compete at the state level, where the winner receives the SAR Eagle Scout Medal. The SAR recognizes good citizenship on the national, state and local level. The GOLD Good Citizenship Medal is the national level award, given for outstanding and unusual patriotic achievement and service of national importance. Some of the more recent recipients of this medal include Colin Powell, Norman Schwartzkoff, and Bob Hope. It is also awarded to recognize leadership abilities that a person has demonstrated in various local organizations such as church, school, scouting, government, sports, veterans, conservation, and others.
Criteria vary widely, and are determined by the presenting body, usually the local Chapter.
Criteria that have been used, for example, are highest grades in history, best record in citizenship, overall scholarship, and persons, both adults and minors, who have made important contributions to their community. The field of fire safety and service is a highly technical and skilled profession, comprised of dedicated citizens whose one ultimate goal is to protect human life and property from fire. It is only fitting that we should recognize the men and women in this selfless field with the SAR Fire Safety Commendation Medal. It is intended primarily for acts by private citizens, but does not exclude policemen or firemen for actions above and beyond those which would qualify for the Law Enforcement or Fire Commendation medals. The only restriction on the award is that it should not be awarded for acts which would be covered by any armed forces medals for valor.