Prince William honored local ‘superheroes’ at the 30th annual Valor Awards yesterday, hosted by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce.
Held at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas, the awards honored 25 area police officers and fire and rescue workers for their heroic actions in the line of duty.
Several elected officials and community leaders attended the ceremony, including Congressman Rob Wittman, Delegate Rich Anderson, State Senator Jeremy McPike and head of the Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center Stephen Porter.
During the ceremony, Aaron Gilchrist, an anchor for News4 TODAY, shared stories with the audience about what the honorees had done to improve the community, and save lives.
The following are the individuals that were honored, and their award:
Captain Andrew Carver – Merit Award for Valor
Senior Police Officer Justin Lehman – Bronze Medal for Valor
Officer Yvette Sturman – Bronze Medal for Valor
Chief Sheldon Levi – Bronze Medal for Valor
Trooper Christopher Grzelak – Bronze Medal for Valor
Detective Renee Carr – Investigative Merit Award
Detective Juan Marquez – Investigative Merit Award
Crime Scene Analyst Renee Jacques – Investigative Merit Award
Crime Scene Analyst Kenneth Werner – Investigative Merit Award
Animal Control Supervisor Lorie Newsome – Investigative Merit Award
Detective Robyn Hyatt – Hillary Robinette Award, Bronze Medal for Valor
Lieutenant R. Dan Grinnell – Merit Award for Valor
Officer Chad Weyant – Bronze Medal for Valor
Sergeant Victor Tomsko – Bronze Medal for Valor
Detective Matthew Newbauer – Bronze Medal for Valor
Officer Eric Davis – Bronze Medal for Valor
Officer Nicholas Colella – Bronze Medal for Valor
Officer Adam Gardiner – Merit Award for Valor
Sergeant David Bliss – Bronze Medal for Valor
Officer Michael Casey – Bronze Medal for Valor
Officer Sean Richards – Bronze Medal for Valor
Officer Ryan Rowland – Silver Medal for Valor
Lieutenant Scott Kearns – Gold Medal for Valor
Technician I Shawn Bliss – Gold Medal for Valor
Prince William County Police Department Chief Stephan Hudson was also honored for his long service with the department. Hudson is planning to retire this year.
”The quality of life here in the Prince William region is improved every day by our local superheroes- the men and women who serve as police, fire and rescue workers. Today we celebrate you for all you do for us,” said Prince William Chamber Chairwoman Dalena Kanouse.
