Thirty-Six Virginia Law Enforcement Officers Receive 2024 VACP Awards for Valor

• By: VACP
• On: 08/27/2024 11:49:16
• In: VACP News

MEDIA CONTACT: Ms. Dana G. Schrad, VACP Executive Director – dana@vachiefs.org; 804-338-9512

2024 VACP AWARDS PROGRAM (PDF)
2024 VACP AWARDS PHOTOS (Available after banquet. Photo Credit: Erin Schrad, VACP)

On August 27, 2024, the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police & Foundation (VACP) presented thirty-six Virginia law enforcement officers from twelve agencies with the Association's highest honor, the Award for Valor. The awards were presented during the VACP Awards Banquet at the 99th Annual VACP Conference in Roanoke, Virginia. The Honorable Glenn A. Youngkin, 74th Governor of Virginia, was the guest speaker and assisted with the presentations.
 
The Award for Valor recognizes a law enforcement officer who, in the line of duty, performs an act of extraordinary heroism while engaged with an adversary at imminent personal risk.

Officers receiving the 2024 Awards for Valor are: 

Danville Police Department
Sergeant Clarence L. Goins
Officer Seth C. Parker
Officer Nicholas W. Smithers

On January 17, 2024, the Danville Police Department responded to a report of a man with a gun. It was determined that 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. 

Sergeant Clarence Goins was the first to encounter the suspect, across the street from his former place of employment and in front of a middle sachool. The suspect told Sergeant Goins that he had a gun. Officer Nicholas Smithers and Officer Seth Parker responded as back up. Sergeant Goins continued talking to the suspect in an attempt to deescalate the situation. He was in an open field and kept roaming about while talking with officers. There was no cover for the officers except for their patrol vehicles. After several minutes of talking, the suspect pulled out a revolver and fired it at the playground. Then he turned towards the officers and pointed the gun at them. Sergeant Goins, Officer Parker, and Officer Smithers discharged their duty weapons at the suspect, who 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.

For approximately 45 minutes, despite the freezing temperatures and minimal cover, these officers engaged the suspect in conversation, demonstrating remarkable patience and negotiation skills. Despite their best efforts, the suspect opened fire. In a moment of imminent danger, Sergeant Goins, Officer Parker, and Officer Smithers acted with exceptional bravery and precision. They returned fire, striking the suspect and neutralizing the immediate threat.

The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Danville Police Sergeant Clarence Goins, Officer Seth Parker, and Officer Nicholas Smithers with the 2024 Award for Valor.

Additionally, Danville Police Sergeant Jacob A. Amos and Officer Isaiah T. Rossier are honored with the 2024 Award for Lifesaving for their administration of first aid to the suspect. These awards will be presented to them at a later date.


Hanover County Sheriff's Office
Deputy Jonathan W. Arvidson
Deputy Ricardo B. Reyes
Deputy Kathleen A. Russell

On Monday, February 6, 2023, midnight units of the Hanover County Sheriff's Office responded to a “caller in distress.” Deputies Kathleen Russell, Ricardo Reyes, and Jonathan Arvidson entered the residence and were directed by a family member to go to the second floor. Screaming and yelling were heard, as well as the sound of a struggle, and blood was observed everywhere. The three deputies entered a bedroom where a male was struggling with a female offender armed with a knife. A female victim in the room had sustained numerous severe stab wounds.

Deputies immediately engaged and, after a lengthy and violent struggle, were able to get the suspect into handcuffs, thus saving the life of the male being attacked. While in handcuffs, the suspect continued to resist violently, kicking and attempting to bite the officers. She also attempted to disarm two of the officers during the incident by pulling on their firearms and on one officer's Taser.

Deputies Kathleen Russell, Ricardo Reyes and Jonathan Arvidson encountered a bloody, chaotic scene involving an armed violent subject and a severely injured victim. They were able to quickly bring the situation under control and arrest the suspect.

The VACP is honored to present Hanover County Deputy Jonathan Arvidson, Deputy Ricardo Reyes and Deputy Kathleen Russell with the 2024 Award for Valor.


Harrisonburg Police Department
Sergeant Brian J. Tusing
Officer John A. Denneny
Officer Alaina C. McWhorter
Officer Rose Mary Nuno

On May 6, 2023, Harrisonburg Police Sergeant Brian Tusing and Officers John Denneny, Alaina McWhorter, and Rose Mary Nuno were enroute to a domestic disturbance involving a firearm. The armed suspect had forced a female into his vehicle and fled. Witnesses provided a vehicle description and the direction of travel. The officers located the vehicle and could see the female frantically waving her arms for help. The suspect then led the officers on a high-speed chase through the city and into the heart of downtown Harrisonburg. Sergeant Tusing bravely used his patrol vehicle to forcefully redirect the fleeing suspect away from pedestrian-filled downtown streets. When the suspect's vehicle stopped in front of the local jail, the officers were able to box in the vehicle to prevent further flight. 

Sergeant Tusing breached the driver's side window with a baton as the victim and suspect were struggling over the handgun. The suspect then fired a shot and Officer Denneny immediately fired several rounds through the windshield, striking and distracting the suspect. The victim exited the passenger door and ran towards Officers McWhorter and Nuno. As officers were directing the female to safety, the suspect attempted to exit the passenger door still armed with the handgun. Officer Nuno engaged the suspect with multiple rounds, forcing him to remain in the vehicle. The suspect then fired a shot directly at Officer Denneny and all four officers engaged by delivering multiple rounds. 

Upon neutralizing the threat, all involved officers transitioned to providing lifesaving aid to the same suspect that just tried to take their lives. While the suspect suffered significant and permanent injuries, officers undoubtedly saved his life. Amazingly, the female victim was rescued without any injuries. 

Their adept handling of the situation displayed their quick thinking, training, and professionalism under extreme pressure. The VACP is honored to present Harrisonburg Sergeant Brian Tusing, Officer John Denneny, and Officer Alaina McWhorter and Officer Rose Mary Nuno with the 2024 Award for Valor. 


Henrico County Police Division
Lieutenant Patrick F. Crook

On April 14, 2024, Henrico County Police were dispatched to a disorderly situation at a convenience store where witnesses reported a female employee threatening to burn down the building. 

Lieutenant Patrick Crook arrived first on the scene and observed the employee standing beside the fuel pumps. There were several open fuel nozzles on the ground. The entire pad was wet with gasoline and there were several propane tanks placed next to the pumps. The suspect employee was standing with a fuel nozzle with a box of matches and had doused herself with gasoline. It was later determined she already had set several fires inside the store.

Lieutenant Crook, who is a veteran and a skilled negotiator, recognized the employee was in the midst of a mental health crisis. He was able to communicate with and distract the suspect while other police and fire resources responded to the scene. During the engagement, the suspect – again, doused with gasoline – attempted to light several matches while advancing toward Lieutenant Crook, putting him at imminent personal risk. Images from Lieutenant Crook's body camera showed the suspect holding a lit match while standing mere feet from the lieutenant and a nearby gas pump. While displaying empathy and calmness, Lieutenant Crook was able to safely close the distance and take the suspect into custody without further incident. 

The guiding principle of the Henrico County Police Division is to treat everyone with respect, compassion, and dignity. Lieutenant Patrick Crook epitomized this principle during this incident and the VACP is proud to honor him with the 2024 Award for Valor.

Henrico County Police Division
Detective Russell K. Middleton

On the evening of November 29, 2023, members of the Henrico County Police Division's Special Action Force were assigned to surveillance along the Williamsburg Road business corridor. An unknown suspect had committed at least six violent armed robberies of businesses in the area. Around 7:00 PM, detectives observed an unknown subject looking into several commercial establishments. He entered a nearby auto parts store and was observed committing an armed robbery. The suspect fled, entering a residential neighborhood. 

Henrico Detective Russell Middleton was assisting with the perimeter and observed the suspect reappear. With purpose and intent to prevent the escape of a violent armed suspect, Detective Middleton maneuvered his vehicle between the suspect and the escape route. The suspect responded by firing three rounds from almost point-blank range at Detective Middleton as he was seated in his vehicle. Detective Middleton attempted to exit his vehicle as the suspect continued to flee on foot. However, he realized that he had been hit at least once near his left eye and relayed this information to arriving detectives. Detective Middleton received first aid while others pursued the suspect into the woods and took him into custody.

Detective Middleton displayed extraordinary heroism while placing himself at imminent personal risk. He placed service and protection of others over his personal welfare and safety. Due to the injuries sustained to his eye, Detective Middleton medically retired on July 31 after 22 years with Henrico County Police. (Detective Middleton is the son of former Henrico County Police Chief Doug Middleton.)

For his distinguished actions, we are honored to present retired Detective Russell K. Middleton with the 2024 Award for Valor. 


Martinsville Police Department
Lieutenant Doug Graham

On July 22, 2023, Lieutenant Doug Graham and other officers from the Martinsville Police Department were in a rural area of Henry County. They were searching for an armed suspect who had fled from an earlier traffic stop. Lieutenant Graham was driving his patrol car down a single-lane road, when he saw a Freightliner truck coming toward him. Unknown to him, the armed suspect they were seeking had stolen the truck from a nearby trucking company and was attempting to flee the area. The oncoming truck accelerated toward Lt. Graham. The single-lane road had no shoulders and no way of avoiding the oncoming truck. The Freightliner rammed Lt. Graham's patrol vehicle, crushing the front end and causing the airbags to deploy. The truck then began to push Lt. Graham's vehicle backward nearly two hundred yards, pushing it off the roadway and toward the creek that paralleled the road. Graham eventually was able to clear the airbag and seatbelt so that he could draw his sidearm. With the Freightliner continuing to push the patrol car backwards, Graham fired multiple rounds from inside his vehicle, striking the driver's windshield of the truck. The suspect vehicle stopped pushing Lt. Graham's vehicle backward and he was able to exit his patrol vehicle and take the driver into custody. The driver was charged with attempted capital murder and several other charges.

This is Lieutenant Graham's second VACP Award for Valor, having first received the honor in 2011. We are especially pleased to present Martinsville Police Lieutenant Doug Graham with the 2024 Award for Valor.


Metro Transit Police Department
Officer Thaddeus Ferguson

On March 16, 2023, Metro Transit Officer Thaddeus Ferguson was alerted by bystanders to an attempted homicide in progress at the Anacostia Metro. One man was attacking another with a knife, and Officer Ferguson intervened and saved the victim's life. He displayed exceptional judgment and calmness, giving verbal commands and attempting to de-escalate the fight. 

When the attacker refused to comply, Officer Ferguson fired a single shot, striking the aggressor, and ending the confrontation with no loss of life. His actions are a testament to his exceptional training and unwavering commitment to the community. 

The VACP is honored to recognize Metro Transit Officer Thaddeus Ferguson with the 2024 Award for Valor.


Prince William County Police Department
Officer Ethan M. Hughart
Officer James K. Bocompani

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. 

Prince William County Officers James Bocompani, Ethan Hughart and Nicholas Brown were the first officers to arrive on-scene. They encountered a chaotic scene on all sides of the JATC. The officers noticed people surrounding a person on the ground who appeared to be injured. Witnesses yelled to the officers that the armed suspect was still inside the building. Officers Hughart, Bocompani and Brown drew their firearms from their holsters and continued to run towards the building.

Officer Hughart ran towards the glass front door, where he saw an aggressively postured male walking toward the door. Officer Hughart stopped, took several steps back, and commanded, “Let me see your hands!” The suspect suddenly opened the door and was observed holding a kitchen style knife in his right hand that was pointed at the officers. After he was challenged by the officers, the suspect retreated back inside the building.

Fearing the suspect would stab others, Officer Hughart moved forward and grabbed the door handle to enter the building. The suspect slammed the door open and walked forcefully out of the building, knife in hand. The three officers again issued multiple commands to, “Drop the knife!” The suspect ignored the officers and continued to advance toward them. Officers Hughart and Bocompani 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. 

Officers Hughart, Bocompani, Brown, and two more officers secured the suspect. The later arriving officers took control of the suspect and began to render him aid.

Officers Hughart and Bocompani had 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. Officers Hughart and Bocompani, and Officer Nicholas 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. The lives of many other people were likely saved that day by the heroic response of Prince William County Police Officer Ethan Hughart, Officer James Bocompani and Officer Nicholas J. Brown.

The VACP is proud to honor Officers Ethan Hughart and James Bocompani with the 2024 Award for Valor. (Officer Hughart is the son of Prince William County Assistant Chief Kevin Hughart.)

Additionally, the VACP is proud to recognize Officer Nicholas J. Brown with the 2024 Award for Lifesaving, which will be presented to him at a later date.


Richmond Police Department
Sergeant Cody Adams

The Richmond Police SWAT team was on a search warrant operation and Sergeant Cody Adams served as the team leader. The team gave multiple commands for the occupants to exit the house, but with no response, it was time to breach the structure.

Sergeant Adams was first through the door into the unknown layout of the home and the unknown dangers within. Across the long living room and at the edge of the kitchen, the suspect was immediately observed raising a firearm towards the officers. Sergeant Adams was compelled to make a split-second decision to fire his service weapon, striking the individual and ending the threat.

The individual was rushed to medical treatment and the firearm was recovered. There were no other injuries to the officers or the second person in the home – a result that might have been vastly different had Sergeant Adams not acted quickly to stop the threat.

For his actions, the VACP is honored to present Richmond Police Sergeant Cody Adams with the 2024 Award for Valor.


Richmond Police Department
Officer Taylor Clark

After a report of shots fired in an apartment, Richmond Police officers, including Officer Taylor Clark, responded to the scene and began to establish a perimeter. Shots were heard inside the apartment as a crowd began to gather at the scene.

The suspect began shooting from an open window towards the officers. The suspect then exited the residence with the firearm in his hand, leveling his firearm towards officers. This was an immediate danger to officers and those in the crowd. Officer Clark's quick action of firing his patrol rifle was pivotal in diffusing the situation. His shot struck the building's wall, shattering wood and paint just next to the suspect, which caused the suspect to immediately surrender to officers.

This dangerous situation ended without tragedy due to Officer Clark's quick action. The VACP is honored to present Richmond Police Officer Taylor Clark with the 2024 Award for Valor.


Richmond Police Department
Officer William McAuliffe

On the evening of May 2, Richmond Police Officer William McAuliffe responded to reports of a driver recklessly operating a cement truck on city streets, putting the public at enormous risk. Officer McAuliffe observed the suspect's cement truck ramming an occupied RPD patrol cruiser in an apparent attempt to flee the area.

The cement truck was repeatedly colliding with the car, trapping a fellow officer.

Officer McAuliffe knew the gravity of the situation. He ran to the cement truck cab, not knowing if the driver had weapons that could be used on him or other responding officers. The vehicle continued to back up to launch another crushing collision, and the threat to the officer's life in the damaged cruiser grew. McAuliffe drew his service weapon and fired on the driver, striking him and ending the threat.

Officer McAuliffe could have used his patrol car to protect himself, but he disregarded his own safety when he approached the truck's cab to save the officer. Because of his decision to engage the adversary and risk his own life to save another, the VACP is honored to recognize Richmond Police Officer William McAuliffe with the 2024 Award for Valor.


Richmond Police Department
Officer Keegan Mills
Officer Jakob Torres

On March 31, a tragedy occurred in Richmond when a man shot his wife, then left his home in his truck with multiple firearms. He called his former workplace and threatened a mass shooting there.

Richmond Police Officers Keegan Mills and Jakob Torres spotted the vehicle in the workplace parking lot that was filled with parked vehicles next to busy businesses. Not wanting the suspect to flee in his vehicle, the officers immediately drove into the parking lot to engage the driver. The suspect got out of his car and began firing at the officers. One officer, directly in the line of fire, attempted to return fire but his service weapon malfunctioned. The second officer was able to return fire and strike the suspect, ending the danger. The officers then began life saving measures.

These two officers put themselves in a perilous situation in order to protect the safety of others at the scene and from the violent offender's threats against others. The VACP is honored to present Richmond Police Officers Keegan Mills and Jakob Torres with the 2024 Award for Valor.


Roanoke Police Department
Detective Ryan A. Sloan
Officer Lauren M. Camper
Officer David L. Gilliam

On December 3, 2023, officers from the Roanoke Police Department were dispatched to a public service call. A concerned citizen reported that they had not seen their neighbor for several days and were worried about their well-being. Officers made entry into the residence and found the individual deceased. Further investigation revealed that the individual's injuries appeared to be the result of a homicide. It was also discovered that the victim's vehicle was missing from the residence. Detectives soon developed a person of interest they wanted to speak with regarding the investigation.

During a search for the suspect, Detective Ryan Sloan observed him walking on Melrose Avenue NW. Detective Sloan, who was working undercover, notified fellow officers of his location, and asked for assistance in speaking with the subject. Officers Lauren Camper and David Gilliam responded to the location and encountered the subject, who was walking towards the entrance of a multi-level residential living facility.

When Officer Camper attempted to speak with the subject, he immediately, and without warning, turned and fired multiple gunshots at her, striking her in the neck and hand. The subject then turned and fired at Officer Gilliam while running towards the front door of the residential living facility. Confronted with a life-threatening situation, Officer Gilliam and Detective Sloan fearlessly engaged the subject and returned fire, rendering him incapacitated. Officer Gilliam then returned to Officer Camper and began providing aid for her injuries while Officer Sloan stayed with the subject.

Despite the severity of her injuries, Officer Camper displayed remarkable composure and resilience. Even in her injured state, she retreated to safety and provided critical instructions to fellow officers on how to render aid based on her prior medical training. Officer Camper was transported to a nearby hospital, where she underwent immediate surgery. While her injuries were incredibly serious, she is recovering well and working to return to duty.

Despite the imminent danger to their own lives, these officers demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the safety of their fellow officers and the public. Roanoke Officers Lauren Camper and David Gilliam, and Detective Ryan Sloan exemplify the highest standards of courage, professionalism, and duty. The VACP is proud to honor them with the 2024 Award for Valor.


Virginia State Police
Trooper Jordan S. Corvin
Trooper Drew A. Bragg
Trooper Jarrad J. Byrd
Trooper II Barret L. Brown
Trooper Corey M. Hall
Trooper II Logan A. Hinnant
Trooper Sean M. Laychak
Trooper Joshua T. Pappas
Trooper Matthew S. Spinosa

Fairfax County Police Department
PFC Andrew Snow

Early in the morning of April 5, 2023, Michael Davis, a resident of Chesterfield County, forcibly abducted the mother of his child from the parking lot of her apartment in Ithaca, New York. Fourteen hours later, Virginia State Police Trooper Jordan Corvin's License Plate Reader alerted on Davis's car as it crossed into Virginia from Maryland. Trooper Corvin located and stopped the vehicle on I-495 in Fairfax County.

During his initial approach to the vehicle, Trooper Corvin, not yet aware of the abduction, found the victim unharmed and seated in the rear passenger seat. When he returned to his vehicle to run Davis's information, Davis pulled away and initiated a pursuit. Troopers Drew Bragg and Joshua Pappas, both of whom had just pulled up on the scene, assisted in the pursuit.

The pursuit continued southbound on I-95 for approximately 15 minutes before Davis struck a tire deflation device deployed by Trooper Jarrad Byrd, who was now part of the effort. Seconds later Davis lost control, ran off the road, and collided with several trees along I-95 in Prince William County. This occurred as the pursuit was rapidly approaching a work zone on I-95 (which dispatchers had identified and were working with VDOT to try and ensure the safety of all involved).

Troopers Corvin and Bragg positioned their vehicles near Davis's car in anticipation of a foot pursuit, but instead, Davis began shooting at them. Troopers Pappas and Bragg initially returned fire, with Trooper Corvin also engaging. Trooper Byrd and Trooper Sean Laychak also arrived on scene and began returning fire.

Trooper Barret Brown then arrived on scene, assessed the positions of the other troopers, and once he was reassured none had been injured, he ran back to his vehicle to retrieve his ballistic shield so the troopers could stack safely behind it and advance. Troopers Matthew Spinosa, Logan Hinnant, and Corey Hall also arrived on scene, took cover, and returned fire. A Fairfax County Police Officer, Private First Class Andrew Snow, also aided in the effort to apprehend Davis.

Eventually, one trooper yelled, “Hold your fire” so they could assess the situation and determine whether the threat was still active, but within seconds, gunshots erupted again from Davis's vehicle and State Police once again returned fire.

When Davis stopped shooting, Trooper Corvin shone his spotlight at the vehicle and, using the car's PA, encouraged Davis to exit his vehicle so he could be treated, as they could tell he had been shot. Instead, Davis asked the troopers to kill him, and he refused to surrender.

Fairfax County Police's helicopter advised the troopers that Davis had a second gun on his lap. At this point, the troopers heard Davis rack his firearm to reload, and one of the troopers, who had a clear shot, fired and struck Davis.

Davis lost consciousness, which allowed the troopers to safely advance towards the vehicle behind their ballistic shields and remove him and his victim from the vehicle. The troopers immediately began rendering first aid to both individuals.

Despite suffering 14 gunshot wounds to his face, back and legs, Davis refused to surrender. He ultimately survived and faces multiple charges, including nine counts of attempted aggravated murder of a law enforcement officer. 

His victim did not survive her injuries. The autopsy revealed that Davis shot her multiple times during the incident. Not once was she shot by law enforcement. 

None of the troopers, nor PFC Snow, were injured during the gunfight.

The VACP is honored to recognize the heroic acts of these ten law enforcement officers in a volatile and dangerous situation. The 2024 VACP Award for Valor is hereby presented to Trooper Jordan S. Corvin, Trooper Drew A. Bragg, Trooper Jarrad J. Byrd, Trooper II Barret L. Brown, Trooper Corey M. Hall, Trooper II Logan A. Hinnant, Trooper Sean M. Laychak, Trooper Joshua T. Pappas, Trooper Matthew S. Spinosa, and Fairfax County Police Officer First Class Andrew Snow.
 

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