C.R.S. § 28-3-1204.5

(1) Intentionally left blank —Ed. (a) The department may award a medal, designated as the “Colorado legion of merit medal”, to any member of the department, including the Colorado National Guard, who has rendered service in a clearly exceptional, unprecedented, or superior manner in support of the department and who has served in a position of senior leadership or senior command, has demonstrated significant responsibility, served in a position of extremely difficult duty, or was a key individual in mission or duty success. (b) The department may present the Colorado legion of merit medal upon the member’s retirement or the completion of any assignment, mission, or service. (2) The adjutant general may award the Colorado legion of merit medal to a person who is not a member of the department who has rendered service in a clearly exceptional, unprecedented, or superior manner in support of the department.