Virginia Police Chiefs Recognize Forty-four Officers with 2024 Awards for Lifesaving

• By: VACP
• On: 09/26/2024 11:33:19
• In: VACP News

Forty-four Virginia public safety officers are the recipients of the 2024 Awards for Lifesaving presented by the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police & Foundation (VACP). The awards were announced August 27 at the VACP Annual Conference in Roanoke, Virginia, and will be awarded at a later date at ceremonies at the officers' agencies.

The Award for Lifesaving recognizes an officer's actions that put the officer in harm's way in the attempt to save the life of another individual. This year's honorees risked their own lives in an effort to save others from burning buildings and vehicles, attempted suicides, and other dangerous situations.

Alexandria City Police Department
Police Officer Malcom Cook
Police Officer William Griscom

On Sunday, May 19, 2024, Alexandria Police officers responded to a report of a victim who had been shot in the leg. 

Upon arrival, the victim was located on the sidewalk. Officers Griscom and Cook immediately began to provide first aid to the shooting victim. Officer Cook further assisted the investigation with witness interviews. The rest of the responding officers were able to apprehend the suspect and recover the handgun used in the malicious wounding incident.

It is important to note that the fire department response was delayed until the scene was deemed safe. The lifesaving efforts both officers undertook were executed while remaining in the "hot zone" with an armed subject in an apartment mere feet away from where they were working.

The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Police Officer Malcom Cook and Police Officer William Griscom with the 2024 Award for Lifesaving for their actions providing critical first aid to an injured citizen. The award recognizes an officer's actions that put the officer in harm's way in an attempt to save the life of another individual.


Chesterfield County Police Department
Officer First Class Patrick Hogan

On Friday, March 22, 2024 at approximately 2309 hours, Officer First Class Patrick Hogan responded to a shooting in the Falling Creek Division. As Officer Hogan was enroute, he was advised that there were three shooting victims in the same apartment. When Officer Hogan arrived, he found two of the three victims on the floor and the third victim was found in the kitchen of the residence. Despite not knowing where the shooting suspect(s) were located, Officer Hogan began to act on the situation and started first aid on one of the three victims.

Officer Hogan quickly assessed the injuries and could tell one of the shooting victims needed urgent first aid. He applied a HALO seal to the victim who had been shot in the torso, back, and arm. It was later found that the bullet had entered the victim's lung. A Chesterfield Fire and EMS representative noted that the "patient had a hemothorax and the application of the halo seal by your officer contributed to the patient having a positive outcome."

Officer Hogan's effort to save the life of the most critically-injured victim was truly heroic as the lack of knowledge of the suspect's(s') whereabouts meant that Officer Hogan himself was in a vulnerable position. It was clear that the shooting had just occurred and officers were still actively obtaining information on potential shooters as Officer Hogan tended to the shooting victim.

Officer Hogan used his knowledge, skills, abilities, and tools to save the victim's life. The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Officer First Class Patrick Hogan with the 2024 Award for Lifesaving. The award recognizes an officer's actions that put the officer in harm's way in an attempt to save the life of another individual.


Danville Police Department
Sergeant Jacob A. Amos – Award for Lifesaving
Officer Isaiah T. Rosser – Award for Lifesaving
(Sergeant Clarence L. Goins – Award for Valor)
(Officer Seth C. Parker – Award for Valor)
(Officer Nicholas W. Smithers – Award for Valor)

On January 17, 2024, the Danville Police Department responded to a report of a man with a gun. It was determined the man had been fired from his job, he had lost everything, and he was homeless. He intended to shoot and kill his former supervisor or kill himself. After the investigation, three felony warrants were obtained on the suspect.

Responding officers attempted to de-escalate the situation, but after several minutes of talking, the suspect pulled out a silver revolver and fired it at the playground. Then he turned towards the officers and pointed the gun at them. Responding officers returned fire and the suspect fell to the ground.

Officers ran to the suspect, secured his firearm, and administered first aid to the suspect until first responders arrived on the scene. The suspect was struck in his right leg and the suspect survived this incident. Sergeant Jacob A. Amos and Officer Isaiah T. Rosser rotated giving the suspect chest compressions until the ambulance arrived on the scene.

On a cold and windy day with temperatures around 35 degrees, the officers remained in the harsh elements, administering life-saving measures to stabilize the suspect until medical first responders arrived. Their swift and skilled application of first aid was acknowledged by the arriving medical personnel, who stated that the actions of the officers likely saved the suspect's life. Their commitment to preserving life, even in the face of a direct threat, exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism and humanity in law enforcement. 

The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Sergeant Jacob A. Amos and Officer Isaiah T. Rosser with the 2024 Award for Lifesaving. The award recognizes an officer's actions that put the officer in harm's way in an attempt to save the life of another individual.


James City County Police
Officer Killian D. Burden

On June 30, 2023, Officer Killian Burden responded to a call on Tara Court for a gunshot victim. The caller, identified as the suspect, admitted to shooting his mother multiple times. Arriving as the first officer on the scene, Officer Burden encountered an erratic and uncooperative subject who refused to show his hands. Meanwhile, the victim lay injured in the doorway.

Despite the dangerous nature of the situation and the uncooperative suspect, Officer Burden was remarkably composed and prepared. He successfully contained the suspect, eventually placing him into custody, and then administered immediate first aid to the victim, applying a tourniquet to control bleeding until medical assistance arrived.

The victim, transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, ultimately survived due in no small part to Officer Burden's courageous and quick actions. The outcome could have been far more tragic if not for his bravery and intervention.

The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Officer Killian D. Burden with the 2024 Award for Lifesaving. The award recognizes an officer's actions that put the officer in harm's way in an attempt to save the life of another individual.


Manassas City Police Department
Master Detective Danielle M. Petitt

On the night of December 14, 2023, Master Detective Danielle Petitt was driving home in her personal vehicle after completing her shift as the evening detective. While traveling on 1-66 at Winchester Road, she observed a vehicle abruptly and aggressively drive across several lanes. Detective Petitt soon understood why when she observed a vehicle facing the opposite direction of traffic with no headlights on and the air bags deployed. She quickly pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway to render aid. Meanwhile, several vehicles, including semi-trucks, were approaching the citizen vehicle at high rates of speed.

Detective Petitt approached the vehicle and observed that there was one male occupant in the driver's seat and he appeared confused and dazed. Detective Petitt tried several times to get the driver out of the vehicle. She had to explain to him that they were in danger of being hit and that they were facing oncoming traffic. Just as Detective Petitt got the citizen out of the vehicle, a semi-truck was observed rapidly approaching them. The semi-truck narrowly missed the citizen vehicle and Detective Petitt's personal vehicle.

Once safely away from oncoming traffic, Detective Petitt was able to call 911 and relay the location of the accident. Meanwhile, she was able to gain a statement from the driver that he had fallen asleep. While Detective Pettit awaited the arrival of dispatched emergency personnel, two off-duty firefighters stopped and assisted by using their trucks as barriers for the vehicles against the oncoming traffic. Once local police units arrived, Detective Petitt provided them with all of the information she observed. It was later learned that the driver was arrested for DUI.

When most people might have driven by and gone home after a long day, Detective Petitt chose to put herself in harm's way to ensure that a citizen would get to safety and that the other motorists in the area would avoid harm.

The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Master Detective Danielle M. Petitt with the 2024 Award for Lifesaving. The award recognizes an officer's actions that put the officer in harm's way in an attempt to save the life of another individual.


Manassas City Police Department
Master Police Officer Shaun Barrett
Senior Police Officer Andrew Koncen
Officer Edgar Diaz
Officer Sean Rios

On July 26, 2023, Manassas City police officers responded to a report of a suicidal subject on the top of a parking garage. Officers located the person in crisis and he was seated against the wall twirling a razor blade. MPO Shaun Barrett immediately started to speak with the man from a reasonable and safe distance while Officers Edgar Diaz, Sean Rios, and Andrew Koncen provided cover. During the twenty minutes that MPO Barrett attempted to establish a rapport, it was evident that man would not speak or respond to the officers in any way. He would only stare at the razor blade and twirl it in his fingers. 

A tactical plan was devised in the event it became necessary to forcibly subdue the man to initiate an Emergency Custody Order. While MPO Barrett was speaking to him, the man looked up at the officers and started to cut his right wrist. SPO Koncen, who already had his Taser concealed and at the ready, was able to quickly incapacitate the man, which allowed MPO Barrett and Officers Diaz and Rios to remove the razor and place the man in handcuffs. When the subject began to harm himself with the razor, officers risked their own safety to save his life.

The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Master Police Officer Shaun Barrett, Senior Police Officer Andrew Koncen, Officer Edgar Diaz & Officer Sean Rios with the 2024 Award for Lifesaving. The award recognizes an officer's actions that put the officer in harm's way in an attempt to save the life of another individual.


Manassas City Police Department
Master Police Officer Stephanie Curry
Master Police Officer Shaun Barrett
Senior Police Officer Faisal Stanikzai
Senior Police Officer Khalia Bowden
Officer Nicholas G
Officer Sean Rios
Sergeant Jonathan Casteline

On August 1, 2023, Manassas City police officers responded to the report of a shooting in progress near Taney Road and Hood Road. Officers located a sizeable crime scene that spanned Taney Road from Hood Road to Hampton Road. The preliminary investigation revealed that over twenty rounds had been fired between multiple suspects, striking multiple cars and a residence.

Three hours later, officers were once again dispatched to Taney Road for a shooting in progress. Sergeant Casteline and Officers Shaun Barrett, Faisal Stanikzai, Stephanie Curry, Khalia Bowden, Nicholas G, and Sean Rios were first on the scene. One officer secured the main level while the other officers located the victim, a 19-year-old male, who had an apparent gunshot wound in the neck. The officers did not know where the shooter was but recognized the severity of the injury and they immediately started rendering aid. MPO Curry grabbed a towel to apply pressure and stanch the bleeding. MPO Barrett then provided MPO Curry with a medical bandage to further stop the bleeding as the towel had become insufficient, while SPO Stanikzai elevated the victim's legs to keep the blood flowing to their heart and prevent shock. SPO Bowden, Officer G, and Sergeant Casteline set up a protective corridor allowing for rescue to take over medical treatment. Outside the residence, officers and supervisors worked together to protect the crime scene and manage unruly spectators and involved parties. The victim sustained a serious injury that required multiple surgeries, but thanks to the quick work of the officers, he survived.

The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Master Police Officer Stephanie Curry, Master Police Officer Shaun Barrett, Senior Police Officer Faisal Stanikzai, Senior Police Officer Khalia Bowden, Officer Nicholas G, Officer Sean Rios and Sergeant Jonathan Casteline with the 2024 Award for Lifesaving. The award recognizes an officer's actions that put the officer in harm's way in an attempt to save the life of another individual.


Manassas City Police Department
Officer Evan Ricapito
Officer Sean Rios
Officer Cody Stadtman
Officer Joseph Siemek

On January 14, 2024, Manassas City police officers responded to the Brentwood Apartments area for a possible shooting. Once on scene, officers located a subject suffering from gunshot wounds who was rapidly losing blood and consciousness. Officer Cody Stadtman provided Officer Evan Ricapito with a tourniquet. Officer Sean Rios held the subject still and applied pressure to the wounds while Officer Ricapito applied a tourniquet to one of the subject's limbs. Officer Joseph Siemek continued to speak with the victim and tried to keep him from losing consciousness while the officers awaited an ambulance.

At this point, the officers on scene had no knowledge of what had occurred, so there was a possibility the shooter was still nearby. Officer Stadtman approached the scene with his rifle and established a safety perimeter around the Officers. While maintaining security, Officer Stadtman interacted with the nearby citizens to gather dynamic intelligence while directing traffic around the crime scene to maintain the integrity of the scene. The incident occurred in the early evening, and the victim was next to an intersection that needed to be closed to preserve evidence. These variables added to the chaotic nature of the scene. Together, Officer Ricapito and Officer Rios applied bandages and wrapped the victim's leg. Rescue personnel then arrived and took over life-saving measures. The victim was ultimately transported to Fairfax Hospital and survived the incident.

The quick actions of these officers led to the victim's survival of the incident. Without the exceptional teamwork and performances of the involved employees, the victim would likely not have survived.

The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Officer Evan Ricapito, Officer Sean Rios, Officer Cody Stadtman and Officer Joseph Siemek with the 2024 Award for Lifesaving. The award recognizes an officer's actions that put the officer in harm's way in an attempt to save the life of another individual.


Prince William County Police Department
Officer Nicholas J. Brown – Award for Lifesaving
(Officer Ethan M. Hughart – Award for Valor)
(Officer James K. Bocompani – Award for Valor)

On February 13, 2024, the Prince William County Public Safety Communications center received numerous 911 calls originating from the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee school in Manassas, Virginia. Panicked callers stated that a male subject was armed with two knives and that he had stabbed two students. 

A search ensued for the suspect, who when found continued to threaten officers with the knife. Officers quickly assessed the threat and fired multiple rounds at the suspect. The suspect fell to the ground and appeared to stop moving, releasing his grip on the knife. 

Officer Nicholas J. Brown was among the officers who secured the suspect. The later arriving officers took control of the suspect and began to render him aid.

Two other officers entered the building to look for more suspects and victims. Upon entering a classroom, three to four people were observed standing around a stabbing victim. Officer Brown and other officers worked together to render aid until they were relieved by members of the Department of Fire and Rescue.

Remarkably, the first stabbing victim survived, in part due to the aid rendered by officers that day. Despite the best efforts of officers and emergency medical technicians, the suspect died on scene and the second stabbing victim died that evening. But the lives of many other people were likely saved that day by these law enforcement officers. 

The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Police Officer Nicholas J. Brown with the 2024 Award for Lifesaving. The award recognizes an officer's actions that put the officer in harm's way in an attempt to save the life of another individual.


Prince William County Police Department
Sergeant Heath C. Oyler

On February 23, 2023, units were dispatched to a crash in the parking lot of a Manassas business. Upon arrival, Sergeant Heath Oyler located a vehicle that crashed into a wall. The vehicle appeared to be on fire, and smoke was billowing from the front of the car. Sergeant Oyler quickly approached the vehicle to see if it was occupied. There was one person in the driver's seat of the vehicle who was not responsive.

Sergeant Oyler attempted to remove the driver from the vehicle, but the vehicle was locked so he utilized his issued window hammer to break the rear window of the vehicle. Even after the window was broken, the driver remained unresponsive with his head rolled back against the shoulder rest of the seat. Sergeant Oyler was able to wake the driver and move him away from the vehicle before it was fully engulfed. The Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire. The witness who called to report the crash stated he saw the crash but was afraid to approach due to the fire.

The driver was removed from the vehicle unharmed, thanks to Sergeant Oyler's quick actions. Although other community members were apprehensive about approaching the vehicle due to the fire, Sergeant Oyler did not hesitate to run to the fire and pull the driver from the vehicle. The driver later stated that he hit the wall and passed out. The next thing the driver remembered was that the vehicle filled with white smoke and that the officer pulled him from the vehicle. Sergeant Oyler put himself at risk and approached a potentially dangerous situation, likely saving the driver of the vehicle.

The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Sergeant Heath C. Oyler with the 2024 Award for Lifesaving. The award recognizes an officer's actions that put the officer in harm's way in an attempt to save the life of another individual.


Richmond Police Department
Sergeant Glenn Gohlke
Officer Scott Land

On a spring evening in May, Detective Glenn Gohlke and Officer Scott Land responded to a report of a distressed male on Lee Bridge, spanning the James River. Once on the scene, the officers saw the subject standing outside the rail of the roadway, precariously on the very edge of the bridge. 

Getting their hands on him was only the beginning of the struggle between life and death. The officers quickly grabbed him, but the man attempted to spin and kick himself loose in order to get to the edge and leap. The officers pulled him to safety and worked to calm him down. Despite his wild movements, the officers were able to keep him uninjured as they prepared his transportation to a hospital for treatment.

The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Sergeant Glenn Gohlke and Officer Scott Land with the 2024 Award for Lifesaving. The award recognizes an officer's actions that put the officer in harm's way in an attempt to save the life of another individual.


Richmond Police Department
Officer Willie Ruffin

On June 6, 2023, Officer Willie Ruffin, the School Resource Officer at Huguenot High School, was present for the 2023 graduation when shots suddenly rang out across a crowded Monroe Park. Officer Ruffin observed that two individuals, a graduate and his step-father, had been struck multiple times.

Without hesitation, Officer Ruffin immediately began to assist a Huguenot High School counselor, Kirsten Buist, who was attempting to stop the bleeding of the injured graduate. Ensuring Buist that she was properly tending to the gunshot wounds, Ruffin began lifesaving measures on the adult male.

Officer Ruffin displayed a sense of calm as he instructed others on how they could assist additional injured attendees. In this chaotic scene, Officer Ruffin acted without regard for his safety as the shooter had not yet been apprehended. Buist remembers the extreme bravery and kindness that Officer Ruffin exemplified that day.

Buist emphasized that she would trust Officer Ruffin with her life. “I feel better knowing that he is serving and helping to protect our community,” said Buist of Officer Ruffin's valor that day.

The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Officer Willie Ruffin with the 2024 Award for Lifesaving. The award recognizes an officer's actions that put the officer in harm's way in an attempt to save the life of another individual.


Richmond Police Department
Officer Paul Jenkins
Officer Taylor Lisco

While on duty, Richmond Police Officers Paul Jenkins and Taylor Lisco observed a small fire in a gas station. They immediately saw a man was at the center of the flames and ran to help.

The man was shrouded in a burning blanket and the officers realized their only chance to save him was to pull that burning blanket off him, but all they had was their bare hands. Disregarding any potential injury to themselves, the officers removed the blanket – throwing it aside – and pulled the burning and smoldering clothing away from his body as they extinguished the flames. Once the fire was out, the officers checked for injuries to the man and called for medical care. And following a quick check of themselves for injury, they arranged for the man to get the additional help he needed.

The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Officer Paul Jenkins and Officer Taylor Lisco with the 2024 Award for Lifesaving. The award recognizes an officer's actions that put the officer in harm's way in an attempt to save the life of another individual.


Richmond Police Department
Officer Jennifer Barlow
Officer Graham Lang    
Officer Thomas McGovern
Officer Robert Redford

After receiving multiple calls for service from a man who was suffering a mental health crisis and stating he wanted to die “suicide by cop,” Richmond Police Officers Jennifer Barlow, Graham Lang, Thomas McGovern, and Robert Redford responded to the location of the individual after Officer Barlow requested for his phone to be “pinged.”

Once the officers located the male and tactically positioned their vehicles, the individual exited his car with a handgun pointed at his head. The male continuously shouted and instructed the officers to “Shoot him!” For over twenty minutes, the officers remained calm and tried to build a rapport with the individual. He began pacing around his vehicle with the handgun still pointed at his head, but the officers continued their efforts to de-escalate the situation.

Finally, the efforts of the officers achieved a breakthrough result. The subject slumped slightly, dropped the firearm, and placed his hands above his head. The officers immediately took him into custody to receive medical care.

This situation was constantly evolving, extremely emotional, and had the possibility of becoming volatile. However, the officers' years of training and teamwork unquestionably saved the individual's life. The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Officer Jennifer Barlow, Officer Graham Lang, Officer Thomas McGovern and Officer Robert Redford with the 2024 Award for Lifesaving. The award recognizes an officer's actions that put the officer in harm's way in an attempt to save the life of another individual.


Richmond Police Department
Officer Angela Palmer
Officer Andre Lester
Officer Keith Mansfield
Officer Sean McNeil

Richmond Police Officers Angela Palmer, Andre Lester, Keith Mansfield, and Sean McNeil responded to a call to assist the Richmond Fire Department on the Mayo Bridge, which spans the James River. When they arrived, they saw three individuals desperately holding onto a man as his feet were dangling off the bridge after an apparent attempt to jump.

Usually, officers will try to calm and de-escalate the situation by speaking to an individual who is in distress with caring empathy, but there was no time for that now. These officers ran to the edge, grabbed at the man's feet, legs and arms, all flailing and kicking in a swirl of movement. Once the officers finally had a firm hold on the man's legs, they pulled him back over the rail and placed him away from danger. While waiting for medical professionals to arrive and transport the man to a medical facility, these officers displayed compassionate care for him.

The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Officer Angela Palmer, Officer Andre Lester, Officer Keith Mansfield and Officer Sean McNeil with the 2024 Award for Lifesaving. The award recognizes an officer's actions that put the officer in harm's way in an attempt to save the life of another individual.


Richmond Police Department
Officer Jared Crain
A/Sergeant Kelly Morley

On May 4, 2023, Sergeant Kelly Morley and Officer Jared Crain responded to a call of a suicidal person armed with a large shard of broken glass. The caller stated that the person had this sharp blade of glass to their neck and she was threatening suicide.

Sergeant Morley and Officer Crain arrived on the scene, and both were able to speak with the suicidal subject's girlfriend and gained access to the house. The suicidal woman emerged from a doorway with the glass held to her neck while threatening to slit her throat.

The officers exuded care and compassion and utilized crisis intervention training to get the subject to finally, after harrowing moments, to drop the glass and step away from it. The officers were then able to detain the woman for the safety of all involved parties. An ambulance was called, and the woman went willingly to the hospital for treatment.

Reflecting on this threat of sharp glass and despair, it was clear the officers had saved a life. 

The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Officer Jared Crain and A/Sergeant Kelly Morley with the 2024 Award for Lifesaving. The award recognizes an officer's actions that put the officer in harm's way in an attempt to save the life of another individual.


Richmond Police Department
Officer Christopher Saunders
Officer Colin Murphy

On the evening of February 9, 2023, Officer Colin Murphy and Officer Christopher Saunders responded to a call for a person in emotional distress. The officers were notified that the subject had that day been released from the local hospital that provides care for those in mental distress. When they arrived at the residence, they were greeted by two distraught children who directed them to the rear bedroom where the person in distress was holding a gun to their head.

The two officers quickly took cover and attempted to get the woman to drop the weapon while assisting the other children in the room, instructing them to get to a safe place. Officer Murphy maintained cover and focus on the woman while Officer Saunders began to direct the kids away.

Officer Saunders, using compassion and empathy, convinced the woman to place the weapon down. Murphy took advantage of the opportunity to move back into the bedroom when he realized the woman was attempting to retrieve the gun. Murphy quickly grabbed her, she picked up the gun, and a struggle ensued between the two.

During the physical struggle, Murphy said, “I placed my hands over the trigger to prevent her from pulling the trigger,” and then advised Saunders to tase her. Saunders tased the woman, causing her to release the weapon immediately, and she was taken into custody without further incident.

During the attempt to de-escalate the situation, the two officers ensured the safety of the children within the home. The officers used their crisis intervention training to convince the subject to place the firearm on the ground. Officers Murphy and Saunders displayed tremendous courage and skill in a situation that could have ended in a police-involved shooting. Instead, they saved the woman's life.

The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Officer Colin Murphy and Officer Christopher Saunders with the 2024 Award for Lifesaving. The award recognizes an officer's actions that put the officer in harm's way in an attempt to save the life of another individual.


VCU Police Department
Officer Jasmine Louis
Officer Jason Farrow    

On December 30, 2022, VCU Police Officers Jasmine Louis and Jason Farrow responded to the 200 block of N. Henry Street in Richmond for a shooting. First on-scene was Officer Louis who discovered a person lying in the street who had been shot. Officer Louis was quick to confirm the situation so EMS could be notified and secured a suspect description for responding units. 

Officer Farrow arrived moments later and began assessment of the patient. Clearly bleeding significantly from his leg, Officer Farrow maintained composure and calmly spoke with the patient to confirm injury location. Officer Farrow retrieved his tourniquet and carefully applied the device while coaching the victim to focus on his breathing. 

While furtherer assessing the victim, Officer Farrow noted additional wounds in the victim's torso and began applying first aid until the arrival of Fire and EMS personnel. Officers Farrow and Louis were on-scene without medical support for 9 minutes until Richmond Fire arrived, followed by Richmond Ambulance Supervision 13 minutes later. An ambulance crew arrived at approximately 2231, 16 minutes after responding officers. 

In a review of the incident, Anne Jackson, Interim Associate Chief Nursing Officer at VCU Health, had this to say about the officer's actions: 
Applying a tourniquet is certainly a lifesaving intervention, especially knowing that it took 9 minutes for Richmond Fire to arrive on scene. The use of a tourniquet automatically makes a patient the highest/most severe type of trauma alert (delta) because there is so much good evidence in the literature that a patient who requires a tourniquet is at very high risk of rapid decline and death. Absolutely support that their quick response led to the survival of this patient. 

Officer Louis and Officer Farrow's smooth and quick actions directly contributed to the victim's survival. The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Officer Jasmine Louis and Officer Jason Farrow with the 2024 Award for Lifesaving. The award recognizes an officer's actions that put the officer in harm's way in an attempt to save the life of another individual.


Virginia State Police
Trooper Aaron M. Dorr

On December 10, 2023, Virginia State Police Trooper Aaron Dorr drove up on what appeared to be a disabled vehicle parked on the top of the High-Rise Bridge along Interstate 64 in the City of Chesapeake. As Trooper Dorr walked up to the vehicle, a 51-year-old man suddenly exited and quickly walked over to the edge of the bridge. There, the man climbed on top of the barrier rail.

Without a second thought, Trooper Dorr ran to the man, reached up and grabbed him. As the man yelled out that he wanted to die, Trooper Dorr was able to pull him down off the ledge and safely back to the interstate shoulder.

The High-Rise Bridge stands 65 feet high and spans the southern branch of the Elizabeth River. This presented a life-threatening scenario if either the man, or Trooper Dorr, had gone over the side of the bridge.

Once safely away from the bridge's edge, Trooper Dorr ensured that the man was transported to a local hospital. He also obtained an Emergency Custody Order for the man, and stayed with him until the man was transported to a behavioral health facility for treatment.

The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Trooper Aaron M. Dorr with the 2024 Award for Lifesaving. The award recognizes an officer's actions that put the officer in harm's way in an attempt to save the life of another individual.


Virginia State Police
Trooper Gilberto Herrera    

Lynchburg Police Department
Officer Erik Veliz

Lynchburg Sheriff's Office
Sergeant Shad Hudson

On March 5, 2024, Virginia State Police Trooper Gilberto Herrera was off duty, driving with a friend along Route 501 near Timberlake Road in the City of Lynchburg. It was there that Trooper Herrera noticed a car that had crashed, flipped on its side, and caught fire. Trooper Herrera became aware that there was a woman still inside the vehicle.

At the same time, Sergeant Shad Hudson of the Lynchburg Sheriff's Office had been driving in the area, also off-duty, and noticed the crash occur in his review mirror. He turned around and responded to the scene.

An off-duty Lynchburg Police Officer, Officer Erik Veliz, also was in the area, and responded as well.

All three, along with some nearby citizens, helped lift the woman from the burning vehicle. They then dragged her to safety as the tires started popping from the heat. Officer Veliz suffered a back injury as a result of the effort, but the woman survived the crash with non-life-threatening injuries.

The quick response of these three officers without question saved the life of the woman in the burning vehicle. The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Trooper Gilberto Herrera, Lynchburg Police Officer Erik Veliz & Lynchburg Sheriff's Sergeant Shad Hudson with the 2024 Award for Lifesaving. The award recognizes an officer's actions that put the officer in harm's way in an attempt to save the life of another individual.