Virginia Police Chiefs Recognize Forty Officers with 2026 Awards for Lifesaving
Forty Virginia public safety officers are the recipients of the 2026 Awards for Lifesaving presented by the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police & Foundation (VACP). The awards were announced September 1 at the 101st Annual VACP Conference in Roanoke, Virginia, and will be presented 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.
The recipients of the 2026 Awards for Lifesaving are:
Colonial Heights Police Department
Sergeant Rocky Navarro
On December 13, 2025, at approximately 3:30 a.m., Sergeant Navarro was conducting patrol in the area of Dupuy Court Apartments when he heard urgent screams for help. Responding immediately, he located an adult male on the ground being actively attacked by multiple aggressive dogs.
Without hesitation, and despite significant personal risk, Sergeant Navarro intervened to protect the victim. He successfully separated two of the animals; however, a third dog continued its attack and refused to release the victim. Confronted with an immediate and life-threatening situation, Sergeant Navarro made a rapid and necessary decision to deploy his service weapon. His actions stopped the attack and allowed the victim to be freed from further harm.
Sergeant Navarro’s quick response and decisive action directly prevented additional serious injury or the potential loss of life. His courage under extreme pressure, situational awareness, and adherence to department training exemplify the highest standards of professionalism within the Colonial Heights Police Department.
For his extraordinary dedication to duty and the protection of our community, Sergeant Navarro is fully deserving of receiving this award.
The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Sergeant Rocky Navarro with the 2026 Award for Lifesaving.
Fort Belvoid Police Department
Officer Gannon Sullivan
On 28 May 2026, at approximately 0230 hours, Northern Virginia experienced a catastrophic mass-casualty traffic collision. Preliminary investigations indicate a commercial bus traveling southbound on I-95 in Stafford County collided with traffic slowing for a work zone. The devastating crash resulted in as many as 44 injuries and five fatalities, including a 7-year-old boy, a 13-year-old girl, a 25-year-old woman, a 44-year-old woman, and a 45-year-old man.
Fort Belvoir Police Officer Gannon Sullivan, who was traveling near the incident, immediately responded to the crisis. Exiting his vehicle without hesitation, Officer Sullivan assessed the chaotic scene and began providing critical aid to the injured. Observing multiple vehicles igniting from the impact, Officer Sullivan, alongside an off-duty Stafford County Sheriff's Deputy, rushed toward the burning wreckage. Exhibiting exceptional bravery, they cut the seat belt of an entrapped victim and physically extracted them from a vehicle engulfed in flames.
The officers then successfully rescued a second victim from another severely damaged vehicle that had also caught fire. Officer Sullivan and the deputy aggressively continued their rescue efforts until the intense heat and flames rendered further attempts physically impossible.
Officer Sullivan displayed extreme heroism and fortitude, running toward imminent danger without regard for his own safety. His selfless actions demonstrate an unwavering commitment to his oath as a first responder and his dedication to public service.
The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Officer Gannon Sullivan with the 2026 Award for Lifesaving.
Halifax Police Department
Officer Jeremy W. King
On February 21, 2026, at approximately 5:17 p.m., the Halifax Police Department received a radio call reporting an overturned vessel with a possible drowning victim. Officer Jeremy W. King and Senior Officer J. Boyd responded to the scene.
Upon arrival, both officers observed a victim in the water who was repeatedly submerging and resurfacing, indicating active distress and an immediate life-threatening emergency. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Officer King made the decision to enter the water in an effort to affect a rescue. This decision exposed him to significant personal risk, including cold-water shock, hypothermia, and potential drowning due to the frigid water temperatures and hazardous conditions.
Despite these dangers, Officer King entered the water without hesitation and swam to the victim. Senior Officer Boyd remained on the dock, coordinating the rescue effort and providing assistance upon their return to shore. Officer King reached the victim in the nick of time, and assisted her back toward the shoreline, where Senior Officer Boyd assisted in safely removing them both from the water to be treated by emergency medical personnel.
Officer King’s conduct in this incident demonstrated extraordinary courage and a clear willingness to place the preservation of human life above his own safety. Without hesitation and without the benefit of flotation devices or cold-water protective gear, he entered the frigid water environment fully aware of the risks associated with cold-water immersion. Despite these conditions, Officer King proceeded directly to the victim, who was actively struggling to stay afloat, and saved a life. His actions reflect exceptional bravery, sound judgment under extreme stress, and selfless service to others.
Officer King’s response is consistent with the highest traditions of law enforcement and represents the level of lifesaving this award is intended to recognize.
The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Officer Jeremy W. King with the 2026 Award for Lifesaving.
Hanover County Sheriff's Office
Deputy Troy Breeden
Deputy Peter Chapman
On December 13, 2025, deputies with the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of an active shooter at Buffalo Wild Wings in Mechanicsville. Initial information indicated that shots had been fired inside the crowded restaurant and that multiple victims may have been involved. Responding deputies had limited information regarding the suspect’s identity, location, or whether additional victims remained inside the business.
In an unsecured and rapidly evolving scene where fellow deputies were actively searching for the shooter, Deputy Peter Chapman found a gunshot victim with a penetrating chest wound and immediately began life-saving care. He maintain communication with the victim, assessed their injuries, and applied chest seals to both the entry and exit wounds.
Deputy Troy Breeden supported Deputy Chapman’s efforts by providing critical medical equipment and assistance while simultaneously continuing to help search for the armed suspect. The actions of both deputies stabilized the victim until EMS arrived and assumed medical care. Deputy Chapman subsequently accompanied the victim throughout transport and treatment, ensuring continuity of evidence preservation and victim care.
The deputies willingness to render emergency medical aid while they remained exposed to the possibility that the shooter was still nearby reflects extraordinary courage, selflessness, and a direct commitment to saving another person’s life despite the risk to their own safety.
The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Deputy Troy Breeden & Deputy Peter Chapman with the 2026 Award for Lifesaving.
Henrico County Police Division
Officer Glenn P. Keough
Officer Jordan L. Smith
On December 17, 2025, Henrico County police officers were dispatched to the Willey Bridge for a report of a subject threatening to jump. The first officer on scene calmly attempted to establish rapport with the subject while also coordinating with incoming units to shut down traffic on the bridge to ensure public safety. The subject repeatedly looked over the wall of the bridge and occasionally attempted to create distance between himself and the officer. Despite the subject initially being unresponsive, the officer remained engaged and continued efforts to build trust.
Officers Glenn P. Keough and Jordan L. Smith arrived on scene and coordinated with the officer on scene to triangulate their positions.3 while Officer Trudeau maintained calm verbal contact with the subject. The subject attempted to avoid the officers and continued to display behavior consistent with an imminent attempt to jump.
Officer Keough nonverbally coordinated with Officers Smith and Trudeau, and together they quickly advanced toward the subject. As the subject placed one hand on the wall and appeared to prepare to move forward, Officers Keough and Smith made immediate positive contact and safely removed him from the wall. The subject was detained for his own safety.
Although visibly upset, the subject was treated with respect and dignity throughout the encounter. All officers continued efforts to communicate with the subject, eventually gaining his trust. The subject opened up to the officers, who remained with him while he received a medical evaluation.
Without the officers’ quick thinking, coordination, and decisive actions, the subject would likely have jumped from the bridge. Their professionalism and teamwork directly resulted in the preservation of life.
The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Officer Glenn P. Keough and Officer Jordan L. Smith with the 2026 Award for Lifesaving.
Manassas City Police Department
Officer Manuel Enrique Mendez Rey
On January 25, 2025, officers were dispatched for a repeated noise complaint involving an individual who was reportedly slamming doors and throwing items inside and outside of the residence. Upon arrival, officers encountered a rapidly escalating and hazardous situation. The sliding door to the residence was open, blood was visible on the floor, doors, and walls, and officers detected a strong odor of gas coming from inside the apartment. The presence of gas created an immediate danger not only to responding officers, but also to nearby residents in the connected residential units.
The subject was in an altered and highly agitated state. As officers attempted to assess the scene and establish contact, the subject became increasingly volatile, broke windows, threw objects, and refused commands to exit the residence. The incident presented a significant threat of serious bodily injury or death due to the combination of the subject’s unpredictable behavior, the presence of blood and broken glass, the continuing gas hazard, and the risk to adjacent residences. Officers began evacuating nearby residents, established a perimeter, and coordinated with Fire and Rescue personnel due to the immediate public safety concerns.
During this critical incident, Officer Mendez Rey placed himself in a position of imminent personal risk by engaging directly with the barricaded subject in an extremely dangerous environment. Rather than allowing the incident to escalate further, Officer Mendez Rey established communication with the subject and maintained that communication for the majority of the incident, which lasted several hours. While the subject remained unpredictable, emotionally unstable, and resistant to police efforts, Officer Mendez Rey calmly and persistently worked to build rapport and keep the subject engaged.
Officer Mendez Rey’s actions were not routine. He was communicating with an adversarial and barricaded subject while officers were operating in and around a residence affected by a dangerous gas condition. The threat was immediate and serious: the subject’s conduct had already created a hazardous environment, residents had to be evacuated, and any further escalation could have resulted in catastrophic injury to the subject, officers, nearby residents, or rescue personnel. Despite these risks, Officer Mendez Rey remained composed, patient, and focused on resolving the incident without further harm.
The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Officer Manuel Enrique Mendez Rey with the 2026 Award for Lifesaving.
Manassas City Police Department
Senior Police Officer Joseph Siemek
Master Police Officer Stephanie Curry
Master Police Officer Shaun Barrett
Officer Luke Godbold
Officer Sean Coates
On July 12, 2025 at approximately 0118 hours, officers were dispatched to the area of a shooting that had just occurred. Upon arrival, officers located a victim behind the restaurant suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The scene was still active and unsecured and officers had limited information regarding the suspect or suspects. Multiple subjects had reportedly fled the area and officers were later advised that possible suspects may have entered rooms at the adjacent Super 8 Motel overlooking the area where the victim and first responders were located.
Despite the danger, SPO Siemek was the first officer to reach the victim and immediately began gathering information, updating police communications, directing responding officers, and rendering lifesaving aid. While the threat environment remained uncertain, SPO Siemek began applying tourniquets to control the victim’s bleeding. MPO Curry arrived and immediately joined SPO Siemek in providing emergency trauma care. She located additional wounds, applied an additional tourniquet, assessed the victim for further injuries, and assisted in treating serious wounds to the victim’s upper body and leg. Her actions were calm, deliberate, and focused on stopping life-threatening blood loss.
MPO Barrett and Officer Godbold also moved into the treatment area and began assisting with medical care. They helped assess the victim for additional gunshot wounds, applied chest seals to torso wounds, and continued providing care in coordination with the other officers. Officer Godbold also applied a tourniquet to the victim’s right thigh and packed the wound with gauze to control bleeding. Officer Coates assisted MPO Curry in treating a wound to the victim’s right leg and worked with the other officers as they continued emergency care. Together, the officers used their training and available equipment to address multiple traumatic injuries before and during the arrival of rescue personnel.
These officers acted without hesitation, under dangerous and uncertain circumstances, to save the life of another. The victim had sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the arms, chest, and leg, but the officers’ rapid application of tourniquets, chest seals, direct pressure, and wound packing along with continued monitoring helped stabilize the victim until they could be transported for advanced medical care. Their response reflects courage, teamwork, sound judgment, and a clear commitment to the sanctity of life.
The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Senior Police Officer Joseph Siemek, Master Police Officer Stephanie Curry, Master Police Officer Shaun Barrett, Officer Luke Godbold and Officer Sean Coates with the 2026 Award for Lifesaving.
Manassas City Police Department
Sergeant Patrick Crossey
Master Police Officer Jonathan Kashinsky
Master Police Officer Shaun Barrett
Officer Austin Trivett
Master Police Officer Kerri Heiderman
Master Police Officer Christopher Daniels
Senior Police Officer Michael Shegogue
Officer Luis Labrada
On December 5, 2025, Manassas City officers were assigned to the Santa Lights / Christmas Tree Lighting event in Old Town Manassas, a crowded downtown event with road closures, traffic control points, pedestrian areas, and horse-drawn carriage/hayride activity. At approximately 1941 hours, a Toyota Camry entered the secured event area, disregarding barriers, police presence, and officer commands. The vehicle hit MPO Christopher Daniels’ flashlight/hand, causing a minor injury, and then accelerated through a set of bollards, sending them towards MPO Kerri Heiderman who had to jump back to avoid being struck.
The vehicle continued through the event footprint at high speed, struck a marked police cruiser, fled southbound on West Street, crossed active railroad tracks, drove onto the sidewalk, struck city signs, and forced pedestrians to move from its path. Faced with an immediate and uncertain threat at a crowded public gathering, Sergeant Patrick Crossey, MPO Jonathan Kashinsky, MPO Shaun Barrett, Officer Austin Trivett, SPO Michael Shegogue, and Officer Luis Labrada moved toward the danger to protect event attendees. Near Prince William Street, the vehicle struck additional bollards and a second marked police cruiser before becoming immobilized near Liberty Street. Officers immediately closed distance, contained the threat, issued coordinated commands, and safely took the driver into custody before the vehicle could endanger additional officers, pedestrians, or families.
The officers’ response brought a rapidly evolving, high-risk incident to a controlled conclusion. By placing themselves between the threat and the public, the officers prevented the vehicle from continuing further into the event area. After the driver was secured, officers checked for injuries, secured the scene, preserved evidence, obtained video footage, documented damage, and coordinated the continuing investigation. The driver was later arrested on multiple charges, and a breath test showed a blood alcohol concentration of .29.
The fact that the incident resulted only in property damage was due to officers who recognized the threat, acted without hesitation, and placed themselves at imminent personal risk to protect the public during a crowded community event.
The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Sergeant Patrick Crossey, Master Police Officer Jonathan Kashinsky, Master Police Officer Shaun Barrett, Officer Austin Trivett, Master Police Officer Kerri Heiderman, Master Police Officer Christopher Daniels, Senior Police Officer Michael Shegogue and Officer Luis Labrada with the 2026 Award for Lifesaving.
Prince William County Police Department
Police Officer Casey A. Fines
Police Officer Matthew R. Castilla
Police Officer Gary A. Schultz
On October 11, 2025, Police Officers Casey Fines, Matthew Castilla, and Gary Schultz were dispatched to a person in crisis call after an anonymous caller had notified dispatch that their friend was having a mental episode and was deteriorating. Prior to arriving on scene, Officer Fines learned that the individual had just set the residence on fire and was himself burned. Officer Fines and Officer Castilla arrived and observed the residence engulfed in flames and the subject walking towards a detached outbuilding near the fire. They gave commands for him to stop; however, he disregarded them and entered the building.
As Fire and Rescue arrived, Officer Castilla remained near the outbuilding, providing coverage due to the subject still being inside and his intentions unknown. At one point, while Officer Castilla was still by himself, the subject opened the door of the outbuilding. Officer Castilla again gave commands for him to exit, which he disregarded and retreated back inside. Officer Castilla then attempted to reach the subject to detain him and remove him from the hazardous area; however, Officer Castilla immediately recognized the safety concerns of continuing further and backed off to create distance and take up cover.
Officers Fines and Schultz arrived and provided back up to Officer Castilla. Officer Fines took command of the situation and provided clear and calm instructions to the other officers on scene. All three officers provided coverage on the outbuilding containing the subject while Fire and Rescue personnel began attempting to extinguish the structure fire. The subject again emerged from the outbuilding; however, this time he was armed with a knife. Officer Schultz observed the knife and made it known to the other officers. Officer Castilla began giving the subject commands to drop the knife, while Officer Fines provided calm instructions to the other two officers. The subject disregarded the officers’ commands and stated that he would not come out and wanted the officers to shoot him.
The officers continued to communicate with the subject and began to build a rapport with him by recognizing that he was concerned about his two dogs that had escaped from the outbuilding. The subject was finally convinced to toss the knife, which Officer Schultz safely secured, and to exit the outbuilding. He was then taken safely into custody and moved out of harm’s way without any further incident or use of force so that he could be treated by rescue personnel.
Faced with a difficult situation, these officers acted quickly and professionally to render lifesaving assistance to the subject at significant personal risk to their own safety. The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Police Officer Casey A. Fines, Police Officer Matthew R. Castilla and Police Officer Gary A. Schultz with the 2026 Award for Lifesaving.
Richmond Police Department
Officer Quinton Blackwell
Officer Paul Jenkins
On June 29, 2025, Officer Quinton Blackwell encountered a submerged vehicle with a trapped driver. Without hesitation, Officer Blackwell entered the deep, fast-moving water in full gear to attempt a rescue. Officer Paul Jenkins subsequently arrived and joined Officer Blackwell in the hazardous conditions. Together, their decisive actions lead to the successful rescue of the victim.
The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Officer Quinton Blackwell and Officer Paul Jenkins with the 2026 Award for Lifesaving for their courageous floodwater rescue.
Richmond Police Department
Sergeant James Brown
Master Patrol Officer Matthew Cavanaugh
Officer Michael Kirby
Officer Michael Lockard
Officer Jose Marte
Officer Manual Reyes
On November 9, 2024, at 10:35 a.m., Third Precinct officers responded to the 1800 block of Blair Street for a report of a man standing in the roadway armed with a sword. Upon arrival, officers encountered the male in the middle of the street and attempted to de-escalate the situation through calm dialogue while maintaining a safe distance.
Despite their efforts, the male subject ran to a nearby area and used the sword to self-inflict a serious injury. Officers immediately ran to the subject, disarmed him, secured the weapon, and began rendering lifesaving aid. The officers applied a tourniquet and conducted other emergency measures until Richmond Ambulance Authority personnel arrived. The subject was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, but ultimately survived thanks to the immediate care provided by the officers.
After identifying the individual, officers conducted a proactive sweep of his residence to ensure no additional victims or threats were present.
Through their professionalism, teamwork, and decisive actions, these officers prevented further harm and helped save the individual’s life.
The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Sergeant James Brown, Master Patrol Officer Matthew Cavanaugh, Officer Michael Kirby, Officer Michael Lockard, Officer Jose Marte and Officer Manual Reyes with the 2026 Award for Lifesaving.
Richmond Police Department
Officer Samuel Morgan
On May 15, 2025, Officer Samuel Morgan responded to a call involving a four-year-old child who had locked himself in a room and was in danger of falling from a second-story window.
With assistance from a fellow officer, Officer Morgan climbed the exterior of the building to reach the second story and successfully brought the child safely back inside. His quick, composed actions prevented a potentially tragic fall.
The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Officer Samuel Morgan with the 2026 Award for Lifesaving.
Richmond Police Department
Officer Zieshia Reed
Officer Beaker Sulaimon
On August 22, 2025, at approximately 01:03 hours, Officers Zieshia Reed and Beaker Sulaiman were dispatched to a domestic disturbance call. While en route, Officer Reed heard someone screaming and alerted Officer Sulaiman, who confirmed hearing the same. Upon investigating, Officer Reed observed an individual hanging off the 3rd Street Bridge.
The officers immediately made contact with the individual, who was visibly intoxicated and making suicidal statements, expressing a desire to die and dissatisfaction with life. Officers Reed and Sulaiman engaged him in conversation, working to build rapport and keep him calm while ensuring their own safety and his.
Additional units from the 3rd & 4th Precinct arrived on scene shortly after. The individual initially stood on the other side of the railing with his back to the officers, overlooking the downtown expressway. Recognizing the danger, the additional responding officers coordinated traffic control efforts and halted traffic on the interstate below and closed nearby intersections to ensure public safety.
Officers Reed and Sulaiman maintained verbal contact with the individual for approximately 12 minutes, showing patience, empathy, and exceptional crisis communication skills. At one point, the individual turned to face the rail, now with his back to the interstate, while he continued speaking with the officers.
Suddenly, he lost his balance and fell forward over the railing, towards the bridge. Officers Reed and Sulaiman acted without hesitation, rushing forward to grab the individual. In securing him, the officers successfully preventing the male from jumping and saved his life.
The quick thinking, teamwork, and professionalism displayed during this high-risk incident exemplify the highest standards of law enforcement. Officers Reed and Sulaiman demonstrated remarkable compassion in keeping the individual engaged and ultimately saving his life.
The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Officer Zieshia Reed and Officer Beaker Sulaimon with the 2026 Award for Lifesaving.
Richmond Police Department
Officer Joe Reynoso
On March 29, 2026, Officer Joe Reynoso responded to a shooting in the 3600 block of Montrose Avenue. Upon arrival, he immediately observed a gunshot victim suffering from multiple life-threatening injuries in a chaotic scene following a large gathering.
Without hesitation, Officer Reynoso retrieved his trauma kit and began administering emergency medical aid. Recognizing the victim had sustained gunshot wounds to the neck, arm, and back, he directed bystanders to maintain pressure on the neck wound while he applied chest seals and a tourniquet to control bleeding and stabilize the victim. He coordinated with arriving officers to obtain additional lifesaving equipment and continued treatment until EMS arrived.
The victim was transported to VCU Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. Due to Officer Reynoso's quick thinking, medical training, and calm leadership under pressure, the victim's condition improved and was later downgraded to non-life-threatening. His decisive actions directly contributed to saving the victim's life.
The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Officer Joe Reynoso with the 2026 Award for Lifesaving.
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Conservation Police
Sr. Conservation Police Officer Justin Chambers
On the evening of July 19, 2025, Senior Conservation Police Officer J. B. Chambers demonstrated extraordinary courage and decisive action in preventing a suicide attempt under life-threatening and dynamic circumstances.
While on patrol, Sr. CPO Chambers observed a visibly distressed individual standing on the edge of a bridge overlooking a flooded and heavily flowing section of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. Conditions below the bridge were especially hazardous due to recent storms, creating dangerous currents and turbulent hydraulics at the base of the hydroelectric dam. These environmental conditions would have almost certainly resulted in fatal consequences had the individual jumped.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, Sr. CPO Chambers immediately activated his emergency lights to stop traffic and positioned himself strategically to begin de-escalation efforts. Despite discovering his portable radio was nonfunctional — a critical communications failure — Chambers remained composed and engaged the individual in conversation, maintaining a safe distance while building rapport in an attempt to prevent a jump.
As additional law enforcement officers arrived on scene, the individual became more agitated and made overt movements toward jumping. With the subject’s attention momentarily diverted, Sr. CPO Chambers recognized a fleeting window of opportunity and took immediate action. Fully aware of the risk to his own safety, Chambers sprinted toward the man from behind and physically restrained him as he was in the act of pulling himself over the railing. He secured the subject in a controlled hold until assisting officers arrived to help bring him safely to the ground and into custody.
This incident took place above treacherous, fast-moving water, with Chambers placing himself within feet of a drop that, given the conditions, would have been unsurvivable. His quick decision to physically engage the subject at that critical moment—without hesitation and at personal risk—demonstrated extreme and heroic daring and directly prevented the loss of life.
The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Sr. Conservation Police Officer Justin Chambers with the 2026 Award for Lifesaving.
Virginia State Police
Trooper Stone Baker
At approximately 12:20 a.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2026, Virginia State Police Trooper Stone Baker was dispatched to a disabled vehicle on Low Ground Road in the City of Emporia. Trooper Baker arrived on scene to find a pickup truck stuck in a ditch with the engine still running. The driver was still inside the vehicle. As Trooper Baker checked the vehicle and began speaking with the driver, the grass underneath the pickup caught fire. The fire then spread to the pickup itself.
As the man was showing signs of confusion, Trooper Baker removed the man physically from the pickup as the flames were starting to spread from underneath. Trooper Baker then moved the man away from the vehicle as the flames began to engulf the pickup.
Using his fire extinguisher, Trooper Baker attempted to put out the fire before firefighters and EMS responded. The driver was examined and then transported back to his residence.
The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Trooper Stone Baker with the 2026 Award for Lifesaving.
Virginia State Police
Trooper Dalton Marshall
On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, a Virginia State Police trooper and a Wythe County Sheriff’s Office deputy rescued a driver from a burning vehicle following a crash that occurred on Interstate 81 southbound at the 70-mile-marker.
At 4:51 p.m., Virginia State Police Trooper Dalton Marshall responded to a crash that occurred on Interstate 81 southbound. A commercial motor vehicle was travelling southbound and slowing for traffic in the left lane when it was struck in the rear by a 2023 Ram 3500 van. The impact caused the van to then catch fire.
Trooper Marshall and the Wythe County deputy on scene then assisted in pulling the driver of the van away from the burning vehicle and to safety. The driver suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to an area hospital. He was charged with reckless driving.
The driver of the commercial motor vehicle suffered minor injuries.
The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Trooper Dalton Marshall with the 2026 Award for Lifesaving.
Virginia State Police
Sergeant Sloane Page
On December 5, 2025, Sergeant Sloane Page was working Interstate 95 northbound around 7 a.m. during a snowstorm, when he noticed a Tesla had veered off the road and struck a tree in Caroline County. Just as Sergeant Page arrived, the Tesla caught fire with the driver trapped inside due to locked doors. As the fire intensified, Sergeant Page broke through the window, cut the airbag to reach the driver, and pulled the victim from the vehicle with the assistance of bystanders. Once the victim was clear, Sergeant Page returned to the burning to ensure no one else was trapped. The victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to honor Sergeant Sloane Page with the 2026 Award for Lifesaving.