Astana, 24 October. The Interior Ministry has created the departmental medal "Khalyk Kaharmany Gaziz Baitassov" for police officers who show courage and heroism in the line of duty; the first medal, in honour of the police captain's feat, was handed to his widow, Gulzhamal Tazhiyeva, the Interior Ministry said.
Gaziz Baitassov was killed on 12 November 2011 in Taraz while neutralising a terrorist. He was the first Kazakh law enforcement officer to receive the highest title of Khalyk Kaharmany, or People's Hero.
According to egovpress, more than 820 police officers have died in the line of duty since independence and about five thousand have been injured. The ministry did not say how often or on what criteria the new medal will be awarded.
What it means: Baitassov's feat is now part of the Interior Ministry's award system: police officers who show heroism will receive a medal bearing his name.
Who benefits: Police officers, who gain a new departmental award for courage. The Interior Ministry, which preserves the memory of fallen officers and supports the prestige of the service.
Background: The title of Khalyk Kaharmany is Kazakhstan's highest distinction, awarded for outstanding services and heroic deeds.
