Thirty-Five Virginia Law Enforcement Officers Receive 2025 VACP Awards for Valor
MEDIA CONTACT: Ms. Dana G. Schrad, VACP Executive Director – dana@vachiefs.org; 804-338-9512
2025 VACP AWARDS PROGRAM (PDF)
2025 VACP AWARDS PHOTOS (Available after banquet. Photo Credit: Erin Schrad, VACP)
On August 26, 2025, the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police & Foundation (VACP) will thirty-five Virginia law enforcement officers from thirteen agencies with the Association's highest honor, the Award for Valor. The awards will be presented during the VACP Awards Banquet at the 100th Annual VACP Conference in Williamsburg, Virginia.
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 2025 Awards for Valor are:
Arlington County Police Department
Corporal Connor DiVincenzo
Corporal Alejandro Torres
On October 14, 2022, at approximately 7:36 p.m., police were dispatched to the 2100 block of Shirlington Road for the report of a male at the front of his residence shooting a firearm. Officer Connor DiVincenzo and Officer Alejandro Torres and other officers encountered the armed suspect in the roadway and commanded him to drop his weapon. The suspect refused to comply with the officers’ commands and raised the firearm in the direction of the officers. Officer DiVincenzo discharged his firearm and continued to provide additional commands to the suspect. The suspect, now injured, continued to point the weapon in the direction of the officers and not follow commands.
Officer Torres had taken a tactical position with his patrol rifle. Once the suspect began to point the weapon in the direction of his fellow officers, he then fired his weapon, striking the suspect. The suspect fell to the ground suffering from additional injuries.
Officers administered first aid, and the suspect was transported to the hospital to receive further medical treatment. The suspect’s firearm was recovered on scene.
Officer DiVincenzo and Officer Torres’ actions exhibited exceptional courage and decisiveness to save and protect human life. The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Arlington County Corporal Connor DiVincenzo and Corporal Alejandro Torres with the 2025 Award for Valor.
Chesterfield County Police Department
Officer William C. Clark
Officer Benjamin A. Moffat
Officer Thomas J. Moores
On October 6, 2024, Officer First Class William Clark observed a vehicle driving erratically and initiated a traffic stop. The vehicle stopped and the suspect quickly exited his vehicle. Officer Clark repeatedly ordered the suspect to get back into the vehicle. The suspect did not comply with the officer's verbal commands and instead, approached the officer, resisted the officer’s attempts to detain him, and began struggling with the officer. During the struggle, the suspect struck the officer several times and tried to get the officer’s gun. Officer Clark deployed his Taser and pepper spray, but the suspect was able to get back into his vehicle and flee.
During the pursuit, the suspect fired several shots at and struck Officer Clark's vehicle. The suspect then approached an intersection where he saw Officer Moffat. The suspect fired several shots at and struck Officer Moffat's vehicle. Officer Moffat returned fire.
Officer Clark and Officer Moffat continued to follow the suspect vehicle as it approached an intersection where Officer Moores was in position. Upon hearing gunfire, Officer Moores returned fire at the suspect vehicle, which then slowed and came to a stop.
Chesterfield County Officers First Class William C. Clark, Benjamin A. Moffat and Thomas J. Moores displayed tremendous bravery in containing and apprehending the suspect without injury to themselves or others. The VACP is proud to present them with the 2025 VACP Award for Valor.
Chesterfield County Police Department
Officer Zabulon Cardona
Officer Christopher L. Hodges
Officer Shellbi L. Morris
On November 3rd, 2024, Chesterfield County Officer Zabulon Cardona observed a vehicle that had been involved in numerous larcenies throughout the county. It was known that the suspected occupants may also have active warrants for the involved cases. Officer Cardona waited for an additional unit and Officer Christopher Hodges responded. The officers conducted a traffic stop and the vehicle immediately fled. A pursuit was initiated that traveled approximately 9 miles and exceeded 100 miles per hour, with the vehicle driving off the road and briefly the wrong way. Officer Shellbi Morris joined the pursuit as the third involved officer. Shortly thereafter the passenger in the vehicle leaned out of the window and proceeded to fire multiple gunshots at the pursuing officers. The vehicle eventually lost a tire, drove on a rim, and ultimately stopped. The driver and passenger exited the vehicle. Officer Cardona chased the passenger but lost sight of him. Officer Hodges and Officer Morris located the driver a short distance later with the assistance of other officers. The driver was taken into custody and a loaded handgun, alcohol, and narcotics were found in the vehicle. The passenger was apprehended a short time later.
These officers not only came under hostile fire, but continued and engaged in a foot pursuit, not knowing whether the suspects were still armed. Each officer faced the possibility of significant injury or death trying to stop suspects that had victimized numerous people and businesses. The VACP is honored to recognize Chesterfield County Officers Zabulon Cardona, Christopher L. Hodges, and Shellbi L. Morris with the 2025 Award for Valor.
Danville Police Division
Officer Kayla M. Robinson
On February 17, 2025, Danville Officer Kayla Robinson conducted a follow-up investigation into a hit-and-run incident. She located the suspect and initiated what began as a calm, measured conversation regarding his mental health. During the exchange, the suspect disclosed a history of suicidal ideation, although he claimed he was not currently in crisis. Officer Robinson offered to transport the suspect to receive mental health care.
The suspect suddenly and without warning produced a firearm and opened fire on Officer Robinson.
Despite being taken by surprise and shot multiple times, Officer Robinson drew her weapon and returned fire. The suspect continued his aggressive advance toward her, discharging his weapon repeatedly. During this exchange, Officer Robinson suffered six gunshot wounds—five to her legs and one to her lower right abdomen. Another round struck her ballistic vest, and her duty belt sustained additional damage from the incoming fire.
Her service weapon experienced multiple malfunctions, which she cleared with determination and precision, continuing to return fire and defend herself. The suspect died in the exchange of gunfire. A subsequent investigation revealed that he had intentionally set a fire inside his hotel room and disabled the smoke detectors.
Officer Robinson, with only two years on the job, displayed incredible calm and control in a life-or-death encounter. Alone, outgunned, and severely wounded, she refused to give in to panic.
She embodied courage not just in confronting an armed adversary, but in her unwavering commitment to serve others, even at great personal risk. We are proud to present Danville Officer Kayla M. Robinson with the 2025 VACP Award for Valor.
Hanover County Sheriff's Office
Deputy Joseph S. Gomes
Deputy Victor R. Purchase, Jr.
On March 25, 2024, Hanover County Deputies Joseph Gomes and Victor Purchase responded to a call about a suspicious person. Upon arrival, Deputies Gomes and Purchase searched the yard of the home, observing a man in the backyard. When the deputies communicated with each other, the subject yelled back in an angry, derogatory way and started moving towards the deputies. Deputies Gomes and Purchase immediately unholstered their weapons and challenged the subject. As the deputies reached for their weapons, the subject reached for something on his person. The deputies gave the subject commands to put his hands up and to stop moving. The subject did not comply with the orders but quickly pulled out a gun and fired two rounds at Deputies Gomes and Purchase. Thankfully, neither of them was hit.
The deputies retreated to the side of the house. While talking to dispatch, deputies heard another two rounds being fired. Other deputies then arrived, and they quickly established a plan of action to contain the subject. Using a tactical shield, deputies approached the subject and found him with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was taken into custody, rendered emergency first aid, and transported to the hospital.
The remarkable display of composure and courage helped save the lives of the suspect and the deputies. The VACP is honored to present Hanover County Deputies Joseph Gomes and Victor Purchase with the 2025 Award for Valor.
Herndon Police Department
PFC Neil Simpson
On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, Herndon Officer Neil Simpson was off-duty and traveling home in his personal vehicle with his wife from a social event they attended in Prince William County. Officer Simpson witnessed a female in distress trying to flag someone down for assistance. Without hesitation, he instructed his wife to stop the car, and he exited the passenger seat to determine what was happening.
Officer Simpson then sees the female and a male subject yelling at each other. He then discovered the female had been assaulted by her husband, who was intoxicated and still in the driver’s seat of his vehicle. Officer Simpson attempted to de-escalate the situation, at which point the male driver accelerated and attempted to strike Officer Simpson and the female victim with his vehicle. Officer Simpson quickly moved himself and the female victim out of the vehicle’s path to safety. The driver then made another unsuccessful attempt to run over Officer Simpson and the female after turning around and driving towards them a second time. The male driver then exited his vehicle, approached the female victim, continued to yell at her, and threw her to the ground.
Unarmed and without any assistance or access to his law enforcement equipment, Officer Simpson was forced to immediately and physically intervene. He attempted to restrain the violent and aggressive male subject by tackling him to the ground. Meanwhile, Officer Simpson’s wife quickly helped move the female victim safely to their personal vehicle and called 911.
As Officer Simpson attempted to fully restrain the male subject on the ground, who was actively punching and fighting, the man produced a knife from his pocket and stabbed Officer Simpson several times in the arm. The male subject continued his attack even after Officer Simpson identified himself as a police officer. Officer Simpson was able to forcefully gain control of the knife and successfully restrain the man until Prince William County police officers arrived on the scene.
The injuries to Officer Simpson were fortunately non-life threatening and he was treated and released early the next morning at a local hospital. The male subject was arrested and charged with multiple criminal offenses for his attack on Officer Simpson and the female victim.
Officer Simpson assumed great personal risk when he stopped to render aid to a female victim in distress while off-duty, in another jurisdiction, and without his law enforcement equipment. His heroic actions unquestionably saved a female victim from significant injury or death. The VACP is proud to present Herndon Private First Class Neil Simpson with the 2025 Award for Valor.
James City County Police Department
SPO Courtney Crockett
MPO Randy Matthews
On March 30, 2025, James City County patrol officers responded to a call for service that turned into an officer-involved shooting. The incident began with a domestic assault and battery involving a male suspect, possibly armed, who had reportedly struck a woman and fled the scene.
Using license plate recognition technology, officers were able to quickly locate the suspect’s vehicle. Senior Police Officer Crockett located the vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The suspect failed to yield so Officer Crockett continued to follow the vehicle until it came to a sudden stop in the parking lot of a grocery store. The suspect quickly exited the vehicle with a long rifle in hand and immediately charged the weapon.
Faced with an immediate and highly volatile threat, Officer Crockett exited her patrol vehicle, drew her service weapon, and issued commands for the suspect to drop the firearm. The suspect ignored her commands, and an exchange of gunfire ensued, resulting in the suspect falling to the ground. Master Police Officer Matthews, who was working an extra duty assignment, arrived amid the gunfire exchange and took a position of cover along the passenger side of Crockett’s vehicle to assist. Despite multiple additional verbal commands, the suspect reached for his weapon and discharged it multiple times in the direction of the officers. Both officers returned fire, striking the suspect and bringing the threat to an end.
Officers Crockett and Matthews acted decisively and courageously under immense stress and in the face of an armed adversary who demonstrated clear intent to inflict harm. Their response protected each other, nearby bystanders, and the surrounding community from further danger. We are proud to present James City County Senior Police Officer Courtney Crockett and Master Police Officer Randy Matthews with the VACP 2025 Award for Valor.
James City County Police Department
MPO Daniel Jackson
MPO Randy Matthews
On Jan. 6, 2024, James City County Master Police Officers Randy Matthews and Daniel Jackson were dispatched to a domestic assault in progress. They were informed that a male dementia patient inside the residence was threatening his wife with a shotgun.
Officer Matthews arrived, followed immediately by Officer Jackson. As they approached the house, Officer Matthews drew his pistol while Officer Jackson drew his Taser, providing a combination of lethal and less-lethal options. As they rounded the front of the residence, they found the husband and wife standing on the porch. The suspect was holding his wife's arm in one hand and the shotgun in the other. He released her to grab the shotgun with both hands, allowing the wife to run toward Officer Matthews for help.
Officer Jackson attempted to engage the husband with his Taser but was too far away. He holstered it and drew his service pistol as he retreated to his vehicle for cover. Meanwhile, Officer Matthews shielded the wife with his body and escorted her to his vehicle. Both officers continuously ordered the suspect to drop the weapon, but the husband raised the shotgun and aimed it at Officer Jackson. Not wanting to use deadly force on a subject suffering from dementia, Officer Jackson ducked behind his vehicle to gain better cover and attempt further negotiation.
The suspect began walking toward the rear of Officer Jackson’s vehicle, saying “I’m going to kill you,” and raising the shotgun at Officer Jackson. Officer Jackson discharged his service pistol.
The suspect staggered but raised the weapon again. Officer Jackson fired a second time. The suspect dropped the shotgun, staggered back, and then moved forward again to retrieve it. Although justified in reengaging with deadly force, Officer Jackson instead holstered his weapon and sprinted across 15 to 20 yards of open terrain. Officer Matthews simultaneously broke cover and advanced with him.
As the suspect grabbed the shotgun, Officer Jackson tackled him to prevent him from using it. A struggle ensued, during which the suspect attempted to grab Officer Jackson’s Taser. Officer Matthews then deployed his own Taser and the subject surrendered and was taken into custody.
Despite facing deadly force, both officers showed tremendous restraint and compassion. Aware of the suspect’s cognitive condition, they did everything they could to resolve the incident safely. The VACP is proud to present James City County Master Police Officers Daniel Jackson and Randy Matthews with the 2025 Award for Valor. For Officer Matthews, this is his second Award for Valor tonight, marking the first time the VACP has recognized one officer with two Awards for Valor in the same year.
James City County Police Department
SPO Adam Stephens
SPO Killian Burden
SPO Thai Ngo
MPO Tim Renwick
On July 17, 2024, officers were dispatched to a reported road rage incident in which the suspect had fired a weapon at another vehicle. Officers Adam Stephens, Tim Renwick, Thai Ngo, and Killian Burden were dispatched to the suspect’s residence in an attempt to make contact.
The officers pulled into the neighborhood and stopped several houses down from the suspect’s residence. Master Police Officer Renwick, who was Senior Police Officer Stephens’ Field Training Officer, exited the vehicle they shared from the passenger seat and stepped over to Senior Police Officer Ngo’s vehicle to speak with him. Before Officer Stephens could exit their vehicle, the suspect opened fire on the officers with an AR-style rifle. Officers Renwick and Ngo were able to retreat to a safe position, out of sight of the shooter. Officer Stephens exited his car and took cover behind it. Officer Burden arrived on scene at the opposite end of the street from where the other officers were located.
Officer Stephens was now pinned down by the shooter, unable to return fire due to the volume of rounds being fired in his direction. From his position, Officer Stephens could not see his assailant. He was struck by shrapnel in both legs. However, he continued to calmly transmit over the radio, informing dispatch that they were taking fire and accurately advising other officers which house the fire was coming from.
Officer Ngo was able to retrieve his patrol rifle and helmet from his car, and Officer Renwick had drawn his pistol. Together, they attempted to move into a position where they could observe the shooter. Finally, with the suspect still firing at Officer Stephens, Officer Renwick and Officer Ngo advanced toward the shooter, who was still firing round after round at Officer Stephens from an unknown location. Officer Burden was advancing on the hidden shooter from the opposite direction.
The three officers were nearing the suspect’s house when he unexpectedly exited through the front door and lay prone on the front lawn. The four officers converged on the suspect and took him into custody without incident. These officers were under fire for six minutes, and Officer Stephens’ vehicle was struck more than 150 times. He had shrapnel removed from his legs and spent multiple weeks in physical therapy.
These officers displayed amazing courage and restraint to bring this dangerous incident to a conclusion. The VACP is proud to honor James City County Senior Police Officers Adam Stephens, Killian Burden and Thai Ngo and Master Police Officer Tim Renwick with the 2025 Award for Valor.
Manassas City Police Department
MPO Shaun Barrett
On February 23, 2024, the Manassas City Emergency Communications received a 9-1-1 call from a frantic woman reporting a shooting in progress. The dispatch collectively obtained critical details, including the locations of other occupants and questions about weapons, while coordinating immediate police assistance.
The caller's husband, and six-year-old son were inside the residence. Manassas Officer Shaun Barrett and other officers entered the residence to ensure occupant safety without knowing the shooter's location. They learned from the caller that her son might have committed suicide in his bedroom. As the officers attempted to assess the situation, they noticed bullet holes in the bedroom door. Suddenly, a gunshot was heard, with a bullet traveling through a wall, narrowly missing the officers and the family.
The officers evacuated and took cover behind police vehicles. While outside the residence and having a clear line of sight of the structure, MPO Barrett observed a green laser, consistent with one being mounted on a firearm, being aimed at police officers and bystanders. During the encounter, to protect the lives of police officers and bystanders, MPO Barrett fired three gunshots at the suspect. The shooter refused commands to exit and barricaded himself.
After several hours, the suspect surrendered and was treated for non-life-threatening wounds and charged with multiple firearms offenses. Thanks to the leadership and communication efforts of all staff involved, no law enforcement or bystander was injured during this critical incident. The VACP is honored to recognize Manassas Police Officer Shaun Barrett with the 2025 Award for Valor.
Additionally, for their actions in this incident, Officer Juan Alvarado, Senior Detective Edgar Diaz, Senior Police Officer Khalia Bowden, and Sergeant Luis Armas will receive the 2025 VACP Award for Lifesaving.
Marion Police Department
Sergeant Tyler Hinchey
Patrol Officer John Blevins
The events of August 9, 2024, in Marion, Virginia, reflect both the unpredictable dangers of police work and the extraordinary valor exhibited by law enforcement officers when lives are on the line. A traffic stop conducted by Marion Police Department Officer John Blevins evolved into a deadly critical incident, ultimately claiming the life of a Smyth County deputy and injuring another.
Officer Blevins initiated the stop after the suspect failed to yield and led him approximately one mile before stopping in a parking lot. Despite the suspect being confrontational, Officer Blevins maintained professionalism and diffused initial tensions. He issued a summons and allowed the suspect to proceed. However, as the suspect attempted to leave, a patrol vehicle blocked his exit. The suspect became hostile, blaring his horn and shouting at officers.
When Smyth County Deputy Hunter Reedy approached the vehicle to address the situation, he was tragically and immediately shot at point-blank range by the suspect. Deputy Reedy succumbed to his injuries despite rapid aid efforts.
Smyth County Deputy Michael Fedorchuck and Marion Police Department Senior Patrol Officer Tyler Hinchey immediately engaged the suspect, returning fire to neutralize the threat. During the exchange, Deputy Fedorchuck was struck by gunfire yet continued to fight through his injury to protect others on scene.
Marion Police Officer Dalton Pennington rushed to Deputy Reedy’s aid, administering critical life-saving measures after pulling him out of the line of fire. Simultaneously, Smyth County Deputy Michael Lester assisted in rendering aid and helped secure the wounded suspect and the suspect weapon. Officer John Blevins, who initiated the stop and remained engaged throughout the incident, maintained tactical awareness, and gave critical information that played an instrumental role in supporting the responding officers under extreme stress and danger.
These six officers acted with remarkable courage, composure, and unity under fire. Their swift actions and selflessness undoubtedly prevented further tragedy and represent the highest ideals of service, bravery, and dedication.
Next month, the Virginia Sheriff’s Association will present VSA Valor Awards to Smyth County Deputy Hunter Reedy (posthumously), Deputy Michael Fedorchuck, and Deputy Michael Lester.
For his valiant efforts to try and save Deputy Reedy, the VACP recognizes Senior Patrol Officer Dalton Pennington with the Award for Lifesaving.
And for their extraordinary heroism, the VACP is honored to present Marion Police Sergeant Tyler Hinchey and Patrol Officer John Blevins with the 2025 Award for Valor.
Martinsville Police Department
Sergeant Mark Peters
On June 17, 2024, Martinsville Sergeant Mark Peters and Detective Tucker Brown and Deputy U.S. Marshal Bill Whitten were attempting to serve a warrant on a man wanted for shooting a man in Henry County in 2024. Peters, Brown and Whitten along with four other members of the United States Marshals Task Force, attempted to serve the warrant. The officers encountered the man hiding behind a vehicle at the end of a long gravel drive. As he began to run, Peters, Brown, Whitten, and others exited their vehicle to give chase. Peters saw the man pull a handgun from his beltline and point it at the pursuing officers. Peters, along with another officer, fired multiple times striking the man at least twice.
Peters, Brown, and Whitten retrieved the weapon from the man and immediately rendered aid. He was arrested and treated and released to the custody of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. For his bravery and leadership, Martinsville Police Sergeant Mark Peters is honored with the 2025 VACP Award for Valor.
Metro Transit Police Department
Master Police Officer John Ubiera
On May 8th, 2024, Metro Transit Master Police Officer John Ubiera was dispatched to the Suitland Metro Station for the report of a subject armed with a gun. He encountered the subject who bladed his body and drew his gun. MPO Ubiera fired a single round, and the suspect surrendered after throwing his gun into the track-bed. Drugs were found on his person, and he was charged with multiple offenses.
Thanks to both decisive action and restraint by MPO Ubiera, no one was injured. His quick response made the Metrorail system a safer place, removed a dangerous weapon from the community, and brought major credit to the police department. The VACP is proud to present Metro Transit Master Police Officer John Ubiera with the 2025 Award for Valor.
Metro Transit Police Department
Officer Henry Williams
On July 5th, 2024, Metro Transit Officer Henry Williams was working mobile patrol and approaching the Rosslyn Metro Station. While in traffic, Officer Williams observed a highly agitated subject under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance attempting to carjack a vehicle by physically pulling the driver out of the car. Officer Williams exited his vehicle and attempted to detain the subject. The subject fled and attempted to carjack additional vehicles by pulling on their doors.
Officer Williams continued to chase the suspect on foot, eventually catching up to the suspect whereupon a violent struggle ensued, and the suspect was able to break free. Officer Williams stayed in the fight and chased the subject to a loading dock, where the subject entered an unsecured trash truck. The subject attempted to drive the vehicle off the loading dock and into the street. Officer Williams challenged him at gunpoint. The subject ignored Officer Williams's command to cease his actions and attempted to put the vehicle in gear. Officer Williams fired a single round, striking the subject in the body. Officer Williams then secured the subject and, with the assistance of responding officers, provided lifesaving first aid.
Officer Williams's willingness to confront the carjacker and prevent him from escaping ensured the safety of numerous citizens. We are proud to present Metro Transit Officer Henry Williams with the 2025 VACP Award for Valor.
Richmond Police Department
Officer Christopher Carey
Officer John Mitchell
On October 15, 2024, officers responded to a residence on East Broad Street for a barricaded subject armed with an axe and a knife. The male subject was experiencing a mental health crisis and had threatened to kill his partner, who was reportedly being held against her will inside the home. Officers were informed that a child belonging to the couple had been sent to a neighbor’s residence for safety.
Upon arrival, Officers Dallas Wieser and Chris Powell attempted to communicate with the male subject, who responded aggressively and confirmed that he was armed. The male continued to refuse to allow the female to leave and made several threats to harm her and responding officers.
Officers John Mitchell and Chris Carey arrived with ballistic shields and long rifles, securing a defensive position. As the hostile situation continued, officers heard the sounds of a violent struggle and a female screaming. Fearing for her life, officers made the decision to intervene. As they approached the room, Officer Chris Carey observed the suspect actively striking the victim with an axe. Demonstrating extraordinary bravery, Officer Carey pushed into the room with the ballistic shield, allowing Officer John Mitchell to take a position and discharge his weapon, striking the suspect. The female victim was rescued and immediately provided with emergency medical aid.
Despite life-saving efforts, the suspect was later pronounced deceased. The victim fortunately survived the attack.
The team of responding officers demonstrated bravery and restraint in rescuing the victim and containing the suspect. For their contributions, Officer Dallas Weiser and Officer Ernest Ford will receive the VACP Award for Lifesaving.
For their exceptional bravery, Richmond Police Officers Christopher Carey and John Mitchell are recognized with the 2025 VACP Award for Valor.
Richmond Police Department
Sergeant Todd Hall
On March 31, 2024, Richmond Police Sergeant Todd Hall responded to a report of a disorderly subject inside a vehicle at an apartment complex. Upon arrival, Sergeant Hall and another officer located the subject in the front passenger seat of a parked vehicle.
As the assisting officer opened the door to the vehicle, the suspect exited the vehicle and began to raise a rifle in the direction of the officer. Recognizing the imminent threat, Sergeant Hall gave verbal commands for the suspect to drop the firearm. When the suspect failed to comply and continued raising the weapon, Sergeant Hall discharged his service weapon, firing four rounds and stopping the threat.
Following the discharge, Sergeant Hall immediately called out over the radio that shots had been fired and that the suspect was down. First aid was rendered at the scene.
Sergeant Hall’s decisive and courageous actions under pressure directly protected the life of a fellow officer. The VACP is honored to present Richmond Police Sergeant Todd Hall with the 2025 Award for Valor.
Richmond Police Department
Officer Lucas Murray
On September 19, 2024, while conducting a traffic stop, Officer Lucas Murray was seriously wounded during a struggle with an armed suspect. Despite being shot in the hand, Officer Murray remained composed and exhibited remarkable presence of mind in the face of immediate danger.
In the aftermath, Officer Murray provided detailed, accurate information regarding the stop, the suspect, and the chain of events, contributing significantly to the investigation and apprehension of the suspect.
Officer Murray's consistent record of professionalism and his unwavering dedication to service is commendable. The VACP is proud to present Richmond Police Officer Lucas Murray with the 2025 Award for Valor.
Virginia Beach Police Department
Officer Daniel H. Reese
Officer Michael A. Sanker
Officer Ramsey Weaver
Officer Shardonnay N. Nichols
On July 20, 2024, Virginia Beach Police Officers Daniel Reese and Ramsey Weaver responding to a stabbing call and observed a female, severely injured, just inside the front window of the residence. The officers entered the residence to locate the suspect and rescue the injured female.
Officer Michael Sanker and Shardonnay Nichols were approaching the residence and encountered the suspect at the front of the driveway. The suspect was carrying a crowbar in his left hand and a metal rod in his right hand. Officers Sanker and Nichols both began giving verbal commands for the suspect to drop the weapons.
Officers Reese and Weaver heard the officers yelling and came back out of the residence. They exited the front door, onto the driveway area, facing the suspect. The suspect refused to drop his weapons and charged at Officer Sanker.
Officer Nichols fired her Taser at the suspect, but it was ineffective.
Officer Sanker backed down the driveway as the suspect charged at him. Officer Sanker discharged his firearm at the suspect, striking the suspect. The suspect continued to threaten the officers and continued to advance on Officer Sanker, ignoring commands to stop.
Officers Reese fired his weapon at the suspect. The suspect was struck by gunfire and again advanced towards Officer Sanker. Officer Reese and Officer Nichols fired at the suspect, and he dropped to the ground. The suspect was taken into custody by Officer Sanker and Officer Nichols. They called for EMS and attempted life-saving measures, but the suspect did not survive.
Officers Reese and Weaver reentered the residence to rescue the injured female and search for victims. Officer Weaver began rendering first aid to the female victim who was transported to the hospital. The suspect’s mother was found with significant lacerations and was pronounced deceased.
The suspect’s grandfather was transported to the hospital with significant lacerations.
Through the investigation it was determined that suspect used a Samurai sword and a crowbar during the attacks inside of the residence.
The heroic actions of Officer Sanker, Reese, Nichols, and Weaver undoubtedly saved not only their own lives, but also the life of one of the victims, while protecting others from further actions from the suspect. The VACP is proud to present the 2025 Award for Valor to Virginia Beach Police Officers Daniel H. Reese, Michael A. Sanker, Ramsey Weaver and Shardonnay N. Nichols.
Virginia State Police
Trooper Lloyd R. Spencer
On July 19, 2024, Trooper Lloyd R. Spencer was on routine patrol in Botetourt County. Trooper Spencer observed a motorcycle that did not appear to have a rear license plate mounted on it. The motorcycle had a male driver and a female passenger.
This was at the end of the on-ramp to the Blue Ridge Parkway coming from Route 460. Trooper Spencer attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The motorcycle briefly stopped at the stop sign but then sped off travelling north on the parkway.
Trooper Spencer called in a pursuit and caught up to the motorcycle while maintaining a safe distance and providing updates to dispatch. This is a very remote section of the parkway with no access roads, making it extremely difficult and time-consuming for other responding units to catch up and assist. Speeds varied from 70 to 100 miles per hour as traffic was light at this time on the parkway.
The pursuit continued for approximately eight miles until the motorcycle turned into a parking area, travelled through the parking area, and got back on the parkway heading south.
The motorcycle then slowed at a pull-off and the female passenger jumped off the back of the motorcycle and fell on the ground.
The driver, who was the only occupant at this time, attempted to travel down a fire access road that was blocked by a metal gate. There was a large rock to the left of the metal gate with a small opening for pedestrians to walk between the rock and the metal gate. The motorcycle became wedged between the rock and the metal gate, and the driver was attempting to get the bike through the small opening to travel down the fire access road.
Spencer exited his patrol vehicle and attempted to remove the driver from the motorcycle to bring the pursuit to an end. Spencer pulled the driver off the motorcycle to the ground in an attempt to gain control. Spencer identified that the driver had a pistol on his waist and was attempting to cycle a round into the barrel. Spencer immediately backed away from the subject, drew his pistol, and fired several rounds, eliminating the threat.
The whole duration was only several seconds from the time Spencer exited his vehicle to when the subject was attempting to fire his weapon at Spencer. Neither the female passenger nor any other bystanders were injured as a result of Spencer's actions. For his bravery and quick thinking, we are honored to present Virginia State Police Trooper Lloyd R. Spencer with the 2025 VACP Award for Valor.