Oregon State Patrol Trooper Nic Cederberg was awarded the National Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor by President Donald Trump.

WASHINGTON -- An Oregon State Police trooper who was shot and critically wounded during a gun battle with a murder suspect in 2016 received the nation’s highest honor for a public safety officer on Wednesday.

Trooper Nic Cederberg was awarded the National Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor by President Donald Trump at the White House.

The medal is awarded each year to public safety officers who have exhibited exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, in the attempt to save or protect human life, according to OSP.

Cederberg was shot 12 times during the Christmas shootout in Sherwood. He was critically injured and spent 48 days in the hospital. He is still employed by OSP, but he has not yet been able to return to work.

“I am proud to have our Oregon State Police represented at the White House today by Trooper Cederberg. On Christmas Day 2016, he showed enormous courage in the most difficult of circumstances, and exemplified the kind of service and bravery the Medal of Valor represents,” Oregon Gov. Kate Brown said in a statement on the OSP Facebook page. “His life and community will be forever impacted by that night, and his experience is part of why I feel strongly that we need more troopers on Oregon’s highways. I wish Nic the best on his continued recovery and congratulate him for this distinguished recognition.”

“The greatest gift the Oregon State Police has received is Nic’s pure determination to survive. Trooper Cederberg typifies the grit and perseverance of an OSP trooper, humbly serving with distinction in the face of difficult circumstances,” said OSP Superintendent Travis Hampton.