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Honoring our Community’s Real-life Heroes
StoneSprings Hospital Center would like to thank our community’s real-life heroes, including several heroic citizens, and all first responders who selflessly give of themselves every day by acts of bravery and service. Congratulations to this year’s Valor Award winners.
stonespringshospital.com
SSHC23009_3.29.23
Order of Events
WELCOME
Tony Howard, Loudoun Chamber
PRESENTATION OF THE COLORS
Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System
Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office
Leesburg Police Department
NATIONAL ANTHEM
Deputy Shawntel Cooper, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office
INVOCATION
Pastor Jim Supp, Reston Bible Church
SPONSOR & VIP RECOGNITION
LOUDOUN FIRST RESPONDERS FOUNDATION
Tina Johnson, LFRF Chair of the Board
LUNCH
SIGNATURE SPONSOR REMARKS
Inova Loudoun Hospital
STU PLITMAN AWARD
VALOR AWARDS PRESENTATION
Adam Longo & Victoria Sanchez, ABC 7 News Anchors
CLOSING REMARKS
LFRF support funding ZERO Amount Red Tape for Receiving Support
$1,000,000+ Support Money Awarded 125+ SCHOLARSHIPS Awarded to First Responders and their children 100% Volunteer Run Charity 100% Of
Loudoun Chamber
Welcome to the 40th Annual Loudoun County Valor Awards!
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Loudoun Chamber, we thank you for joining us in this proud Loudoun Chamber tradition.
Today, we come together to honor our community’s true heroes: the brave first responders whose courageous and often lifesaving actions in the line of duty deserve our most profound respect and gratitude. These exceptional individuals have gone well “above and beyond the call of duty,” earning them the prestigious Valor Award.
This year’s awards ceremony is particularly poignant. We will honor Sterling Volunteer Firefighter Trevor Brown, who tragically lost his life while responding to a gas leak at a Sterling home, serving our Loudoun community with unwavering dedication.
For four decades, the Loudoun Chamber has presented these awards to recognize the service, sacrifice, and commitment of our heroic fire, rescue, and law enforcement personnel. Despite their exceptional training and commitment, tragedies can still occur for those who run towards danger to keep our families and communities safe.
Your presence at today’s 40th Annual Loudoun County Valor Awards demonstrates your appreciation and respect for the commitment and service of our uniformed career and volunteer public safety personnel.
On behalf of the Loudoun Chamber and our more than 1,000 member businesses and community organizations, we extend our deepest gratitude to our 2025 Valor Award honorees, and to all who wear a uniform in service to our community and our Nation!
Tony Howard, President & CEO, Loudoun Chamber
Scott Loftis, Chair of the 2025 Board of Directors
Agency Chiefs
The Loudoun County Public Safety Community is honored to welcome you to the Loudoun County Valor Award’s 40th celebration of our men and women in Fire & EMS, Law Enforcement, and citizens who have taken great personal risk or exhibited exceptional judgment in their duty to protect our community.
Heroic and life-saving actions are extraordinary accomplishments and we should recognize these persons with the highest regard.
Each year, we partner with the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce to present the annual Loudoun County Valor Awards. With the support from the Chamber and the community, we have been able to recognize hundreds of public safety personnel in our community, and we extend our sincere thanks for these partnerships.
Today, we honor the Award recipients and their actions, deeds, or accomplishments, and are thankful to have them as members of our community. As the leaders of our Loudoun County Public Safety agencies, we are humbled to work daily with these distinguished men and women in Loudoun County, and to be a part of this recognition ceremony.
We appreciate the Award recipients for their service and contributions both in-and-out of the line-of-duty. We congratulate all our 2025 Valor Award honorees for their distinguished initiative and personal bravery in providing first aid, professional assistance, protection, or any physical act that contributed to the preservation of a human life. The prestigious awards that will be presented today are to honor our career and volunteer emergency first responders, and citizens alike.
Thank you to all our Loudoun County public safety personnel and award recipients for your performance of duty and commitment to this community!
System Chief
Keith H. Johnson Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System
Sheriff Michael L. Chapman Loudoun County Office of the Sheriff
Chief of Police
Thea Pirnat Leesburg Police Department
Interim Chief of Police
Sara Lombraña Purcellville Police Department
Valor Awards Classification & Criteria
CIVILIAN MEDAL OF VALOR
This award honors local citizens, who are not trained first responders, for their extraordinary acts of heroism in an emergency situation, while facing significant personal risk.
MERITORIOUS CIVILIAN AWARD
Recognition of everyday citizens for their extraordinary acts of courage or performance of heroic actions in emergency situations.
UNIT CITATION
Recognition of actions not normally involved in the performance of duties, actions of an extraordinary nature, or actions that display outstanding execution of duties by a unit/division/ company which demonstrate unusual judgment, zeal, ingenuity and/or bravery.
LIFESAVING AWARD
Recognition of actions not normally involved in the performance of duties, actions of an extraordinary nature, or actions that display outstanding execution of duties by an individual which demonstrate unusual judgment, zeal, ingenuity, bravery and/or personal risk and directly result in the saving of a human life.
CERTIFICATE OF VALOR
Recognition of actions not normally involved in the performance of duties, actions of an extraordinary nature, or actions that display outstanding execution of duties by an individual which demonstrate unusual judgment, zeal, ingenuity, bravery and/or personal risk.
BRONZE MEDAL OF VALOR
Recognition of actions not normally involved in the performance of duties, actions of a heroic nature, or actions that display outstanding execution of duties by an individual which involve personal risk and demonstrate unusual judgment, zeal, bravery and/or ingenuity.
SILVER MEDAL OF VALOR
Recognition of actions not normally involved in the performance of duties, actions of a heroic nature, or actions that display outstanding execution of duties by an individual which involve significant personal risk and heroism and demonstrate unusual judgment, zeal, bravery and/or ingenuity.
GOLD MEDAL OF VALOR
Recognition of actions not normally involved in the performance of duties, actions of a heroic nature, or actions that display outstanding execution of duties by an individual which involve supreme sacrifice or extreme personal risk and heroism and demonstrate unusual judgment, zeal, bravery and/or ingenuity which is clearly above and beyond the call of duty.
STU PLITMAN FIRST RESPONDER
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
This Award is given in honor of Stu Plitman, the founder of the Loudoun First Responders Foundation and a tireless advocate for all career and volunteer emergency first responders, and their families, in Loudoun County. The Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce believes that law enforcement and emergency response is most effective when a community’s first responders enjoy a positive and proactive relationship with the businesses and citizens they serve.
The Stu Plitman First Responders
Community Service Award is granted to those emergency first responders who demonstrate the highest commitment to fostering positive relationships with the Loudoun County community in ways that positively enhance the safety and security of our citizens.
Stu Plitman Award
SINCE JOINING THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE in June 2013, Deputy Miller has served in various roles, including Deputy in the Patrol Division, School Resource Officer, and Adult Crime Prevention Specialist in the Operational Support Division.
Deputy Miller analyzes data and collaborates with local groups to educate and inform citizens about crime prevention trends.
Since the Summer of 2020, Deputy Miller has completed security assessments for private residences, communities, schools, daycares, houses of worship, homeowner associations, and businesses.
He coordinates public education programs with nine tailored presentations, including Internet Safety for Parents, Neighborhood Watch, Responsible Social Media Use, Securing Houses of Worship, and Community Policing Through Environmental Design.
Deputy Miller developed the Neighborhood Watch Guide and helped establish 25 watch groups in the county. He also maintains the Business Crime Handbook, offering business owners and employees crime prevention tips.
In the past year, Deputy Miller has delivered over 73 presentations to more than 3,119 attendees, conducted over 60 security assessments, and participated in six community events.
DFC John Miller
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INCIDENT ONE
Lifesaving Award
IN JUNE OF 2024, Deputy Zinkgraf and Deputy First Class Hernandez responded to a residence in Ashburn in response to a 20-year-old male who was intoxicated and having a verbal argument with his family.
During the altercation, the subject punched a front glass window of the residence causing significant injury to his lefthand and arm. The subject then fled the area on foot but was located quickly by Deputy Zinkgraf and DFC Hernandez. They quickly recognized that the subject’s injuries were severe and that he had lost a significant amount of blood.
“...the subject punched a front glass window of the residence causing significant injury...”
There appeared to be an arterial bleed to the subjects left tricep which was life threatening. Deputy Zinkgraf quickly utilized his agency issued tourniquet and applied it to the subjects’ upper left arm. This prevented excessive loss of blood and stabilized the subject until Loudoun County Fire and Rescue EMS personnel responded to the scene.
DFC Hernandez assisted with medical care and ensured a safe environment for the subject and his fellow Deputy.
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
DFC Jose Hernandez
Deputy Samuel Zinkgraf
Certificate of Valor
IN NOVEMBER OF 2024, multiple calls were received by the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) for shots being fired in a residential area of Sterling. The callers also heard screaming and observed several individuals running from the area.
Deputy Stephen Phelps was first to arrive on the scene and located a 23-year-old man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Although the crime scene was hectic and rapidly evolving, Deputy Phelps had the foresight to bring his “go bag,” which contained emergency aid equipment that allowed him to begin immediate life-saving measures on the victim.
Deputy Phelps utilized scissors to cut the victim’s shirt and found multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body. He utilized his agency-issued tourniquet to control the victims’ bleeding and used gauze to prevent bleeding from the other wounds. Deputy Phelps continued to render aid and comfort the victim until EMT personnel arrived.
Despite the risk to his safety and the suspect still at large, Deputy Phelp’s quick actions and initiative played a critical role in saving the man’s life.
DFC Stephen Phelps
Lifesaving Award
ON AN EVENING IN MARCH OF 2024, Deputy Edmund Chong arrived at the Algonkian Regional Park in Sterling where he noticed a white sedan parked suspiciously near the boat ramp.
Given that the park was closed, he used his police vehicle’s lights and flashlight illuminating the area around the car. He spotted what appeared to be a woman entirely covered by blankets, sitting on a rock beyond the shoreline.
Deputy Chong approached the subject and identified himself, noticing that she was seated on a rock with her legs submerged in the water crying with her face covered.
Responding with empathy, Deputy Chong reassured the subject as he perceived indicators suggestive of suicidal actions. He gently encouraged her to move from her seated position, helping her walk through a few feet of the water onto the land.
Once she was out of the water and in a safe place, she agreed to seek assistance from a mental health professional at the hospital. Deputy Chong transported the subject to Inova Loudoun Hospital, where she was voluntarily admitted for a mental health evaluation.
Deputy Chong’s commitment to ensuring the subject’s safety exemplifies effective crisis intervention and community policing.
Deputy Edmund Chong
FOUR
Lifesaving & Meritorious Civilian Awards
LIFESAVING AWARD
Deputy Lucas Da Silva
DFC Jared Neahusan
Deputy Francis Tepper III
(not pictured) Angie Kolbe
UNITS RESPONDED TO AN ATTEMPTED SUICIDE of a 61-year-old female. Dispatch notes stated that the female had texted her neighbor about suicidal ideations. Upon arrival Deputy Lucas Da Silva was shown by the neighbor the texts.
The subject did not answer the door at her residence and the subject’s vehicle was not seen in the area. The neighbor did have a key to the residence. Since the neighbor was allowed access to the residence, she let Deputies inside to check the welfare of the subject. Inside the residence were more written notes about suicide from the subject.
The neighbor did have pictures of the subject’s vehicle showing its tag. Deputy Francis Tepper assisted the neighbor finding this on her phone allowing the on-scene units to quickly gain access to the vehicle’s description.
Although the subject was not found in the residence, the neighbor did tell the deputies common areas that the subject frequents such as Algonkian Regional Park. Deputy Da Silva went to the park and quickly located the subject’s vehicle with her unresponsive inside. The subject appeared to have overdosed on prescription medication that was in her name.
Deputy Da Silva requested rescue and removed the subject from the vehicle with the help of Deputy Jared Neahusan. Deputy Da Silva attempted Narcan but it was ineffective. Deputy Neahusan also located prescription medication bottles in the vehicle that had been filled in the last couple days. One of these bottles was empty.
Once they arrived, rescue took over care of the subject and she was transported to the Inova Loudoun Hospital Emergency Room.
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Lifesaving Award
IN FEBRUARY OF 2024, Deputy First Class Lauren Nelson responded to the scene of a vehicle accident at Pacific Blvd in Sterling. When DFC Nelson arrived on scene, she determined that the accident involved a Loudoun County Commuter Bus and a passenger vehicle.
She observed the driver of the passenger vehicle laying on the ground next to the vehicle. DFC Nelson quickly recognized the severity of the accident and immediately requested Loudoun County Fire Rescue. DFC Nelson ran over to the male driver and began assessing his medical status.
DFC Nelson determined he was unresponsive, not breathing, and bleeding from the back of the head. DFC Nelson began to perform CPR on the subject until he began breathing again on his own again, then she began to assess the scene to determine if there was anyone else involved with serious injuries. She then checked the passenger vehicle for other injured occupants.
While doing all this DFC Nelson spoke with the other driver to determine what happened. She then stayed with the injured subject, continuing to evaluate his status and performing sternum rubs on him to keep him conscious and breathing until fire rescue personnel arrived on scene and took over.
The subject was eventually transported to Reston Hospital and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit where doctors determined he was in critical condition.
It was later reported by a family member that the subject recovered very well thanks to the lifesaving actions of DFC Nelson.
DFC Lauren Nelson
Unit Citation
Deputy Sean Doogue
Deputy John Harvey
Deputy Henry Hill
Sgt. Jason Leydig
Deputies Marcantel, Small, Wilson, and Lowery safely located the victim in the woods beside the residence and ensured he was disarmed. INCIDENT SIX
ON AN EARLY OCTOBER MORNING IN 2024, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Stewart Marcantel, Joseph Small, Sean Doogue, Daren Smith, Henry Hill, John Harvey, Todd Wilson, Robbie Lowery and Sergeant Jason Leydig responded to a reported shooting at a residence in Leesburg.
Initial information from Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center was that the suspect at the residence shot his brother. The victim fled the residence to the woods beside the residence. The victim also reported being armed with a firearm.
Deputies on the scene received information that there were multiple weapons in the residence. The suspect was reported to normally have a firearm on him. During the incident the suspect was observed walking around in the residence carrying a long rifle.
“...the suspect at the residence shot his brother. The victim fled the residence to the woods...”
Deputies Small and Marcantel then provided emergency casualty care to the victim by packing his gunshot wound with medical gauze.
Deputies Hill and Harvey arrived on scene and assisted with reassessing the victim’s injuries. Deputies Smith and Doogue arrived on scene with a Medevac Litter.
Then in a coordinated effort, Deputies Smith, Doogue, Small, and Hill carried the victim 200 yards past the residence where the suspect was located, to the Incident Command Post while Deputies Harvey and Marcantel providing security.
Sgt. Leydig then transported the victim to an ambulance where they were transported to the hospital for further medical treatment.
The Deputies quick response and courageous actions allowed for victim to be safely evacuated from the scene to receive lifesaving medical treatment. They worked as a team efficiently and effectively in a dangerous and stressful situation.
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
DFC Robbie Lowery
Deputy Stewart Marcantel
Deputy Joseph Small
DFC Daren Smith
Sgt. Todd Wilson
INCIDENT SEVEN
Lifesaving Award
ON A MORNING IN SEPTEMBER OF 2024, deputies responded to an Assist Rescue call at the intersection of Lenah Mill Blvd at Marrwood Dr. They found a local resident who was in distress after going for a walk to exercise.
Off duty Detective Gabe Henkel was in the area exercising and came across the subject laying on the ground and unresponsive. He began CPR and continued lifesaving efforts until LCFR arrived on scene and took over.
A pulse was regained, and the man was transported to a local hospital. Family members were advised and arrived on the scene.
“They found a local resident who was in distress after going for a walk to exercise.”
Approximately one week later an LCSO supervisor visited the man’s home to check on his status, where he found family members celebrating his life after he had unfortunately passed away.
Detective Henkel’s actions afforded the family the opportunity to be present when the man passed and be with him in his final moments. Family and friends were grateful for this opportunity.
(not pictured, Detective Gabe Henkel)
Lifesaving Award
Deputy Sean Doogue
Deputy John Harvey
Deputy Henry Hill
IN NOVEMBER OF 2024, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Officers responded to Springhill Suites, in Ashburn for a reported shooting. Deputies John Harvey, Henry Hill, and Sean Doogue arrived on scene and located a male subject on the ground outside of the hotel.
He was conscious and lying in a large pool of blood with a firearm beside him. It was determined the male subject sustained a selfinflicted gunshot wound to his upper right thigh.
It also appeared he had suffered damage to an artery due to the rate of the blood loss. Deputies Harvey, Hill, and Doogue assessed the subject’s injuries and recognized the severity of the situation.
They immediately provided him with emergency first aid utilizing Tactical Emergency Casualty Care equipment. Deputy Hill began by using scissors to cut away the subject’s pants to identify the location of the gunshot wound. Deputy Harvey then appropriately applied a tourniquet to the subject’s upper right leg. Deputy Harvey began packing the gunshot wound with gauze and wrapped it with a bandage, while Deputy Hill provided him with the requested medical equipment.
Deputy Doogue reassessed the aid provided, observing that the wound was continuing to bleed, and applied a second tourniquet to his upper right leg, effectively stopping the bleeding. Loudoun County Fire Rescue personnel arrive on scene shortly after and Deputy Harvey briefed them of the first aid provided.
The subject was transported to Inova Loudoun Hospital where he was placed in a recovery unit and survived from his injuries.
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
Lifesaving Award
IN JUNE OF 2024, AN INMATE experienced a medical emergency in the court TV hearing room at the Adult Detention Center.
During the emergency response to this incident, ADC medical staff and Master Deputy Chad Neff and Deputy First Class Adam Smith delivered Narcan and performed CPR on the inmate while waiting for EMS to respond.
Even after EMS personnel were on site and performing lifesaving measures on the inmate, Deputies Smith and Neff continued to perform CPR, switching out with one another to continue with quality CPR compressions.
The inmate was later transported to the ER for continued medical intervention.
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
MD Chad Neff
DFC Adam Smith
Bronze Medal of Valor & Lifesaving Award
DFC Christopher Brannan
LIFESAVING AWARD
DFC Tristan Rossetti
IN DECEMBER OF 2024, family and community members contacted emergency services when a 16-year-old female was stabbed eleven times in front of her apartment complex.
Deputy First Class Christopher Brannan and Deputy First Class Tristan Rossetti were on duty and quickly arrived at the scene. They immediately observed the victim lying on the ground in front of the apartment building, surrounded by community members who were attempting to provide lifesaving measures. The victim was bleeding profusely and losing blood rapidly. Without hesitation, Deputies Brannan and Rossetti began delivered critical lifesaving assistance.
Deputy Brannan, a trained Army combat medic, quickly assessed the victim’s condition and evaluated her wounds while gathering vital information about the incident. Despite community members requesting a tourniquet, Deputy Brannan’s expert training guided him in determining that the two large lacerations required a different approach.
He immediately began packing the wounds with gauze and instructed Deputy Rossetti to apply pressure to control the bleeding. His quick, decisive actions were essential to stabilizing the victim.
While continuing to assess the victim’s injuries, Deputy Brannan instructed community members to help hold the victim’s clothing so he could carefully cut it away, revealing multiple stab wounds on her upper left back.
During his assessment, Deputy Brannan detected air movement from one of the wounds, indicating a likely sucking chest wound. Without delay, he applied a chest seal, preventing further complications.
Loudoun County Fire and Rescue (LCFR) arrived and continued to render aid. Deputies Brannan and Rossetti assisted by ensuring all visible stab wounds were covered and helping LCFR move the victim onto a stretcher and into the ambulance.
As LCFR continued treating the victim in the ambulance, Deputy Brannan worked to gather critical information about the suspect. However, the victim began struggling to breathe and was unable to answer questions.
“...a 16-yearold female was stabbed eleven times in front of her apartment complex.”
Recognizing signs of shock, Deputy Brannan worked closely with medics to reassess the victim’s condition. His careful attention and assistance ensured the victim’s vital signs were monitored and managed throughout transport to Reston Hospital.
The victim received two units of blood during transport, and EMS performed two-needle decompressions to address the severity of her injuries. Throughout the entire transport, Deputy Brannan remained in the back of the ambulance ensuring the victim received constant care.
Once LCFR took over lifesaving measures, the deputies quickly transitioned to investigating the incident.
Lifesaving Award
IN DECEMBER OF 2024, emergency services were contacted for a unconscious 14-month-old female who had stopped breathing.
Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) Sara Verdin received a 911 call for assistance from a hysterical female asking for an ambulance. PST Verdin was unable to get an address from the hysterical caller initially, so PST Verdin loaded the incident using the Rapid Deploy location until the caller confirmed the location. PST Verdin’s calm demeanor helped to ascertain further information, including the nature of the emergency.
After the caller confirmed that the baby was not breathing, PST Verdin immediately began providing CPR instructions to the caller. PST Verdin’s clear direction to the caller helped the mother perform CPR on her child unit until a patrol unit could arrived on scene and take over.
Deputy Sarrichio was working on a non-patrol assignment at that time. He quickly realized he was the closest unit to the location and responded immediately to assist patrol units.
Upon arrival, Deputy Sarrichio entered the apartment and found the unresponsive little girl lying on her back in front of a couch in the living room. She had no pulse and was not breathing.
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
DFC Mark Sarrichio
PST Sara Verdin
Deputy Sarrichio attempted to gather information from the child’s mother by asking if she was choking. However, the mother could not respond due to her panic-stricken state.
Deputy Sarrichio tilted the child’s head back and administered two breaths, which went into her lungs without issue, indicating that her airway was not blocked. He then continued CPR for approximately three minutes until Loudoun County Fire and Rescue and Fairfax Fire and Rescue arrived and took over.
The child was transported to Inova Fairfax Hospital in critical condition. When she arrived, she had been receiving CPR for 40 minutes and still had no pulse or independent breathing.
“PST Verdin’s clear direction to the caller helped the mother perform CPR on her child...”
After an hour of emergency care, the hospital staff successfully established a heartbeat and breathing through a chest tube. The doctor at the hospital later thanked Deputy Sarrichio, stating that his quick response and immediate CPR, helped her survive.
Deputy Sarrichio and PST Verdin’s quick actions, which were performed in full view of family members in crisis, showed his knowledge, training, and willingness to act decisively. His quick response helped save the child’s life.
Meritorious Civilian & Lifesaving Award
IN DECEMBER OF 2024, Abby Yeskatalas was present when her coworker at a local restaurant started complaining of chest pain, and subsequentially suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. Without hesitation, Abby immediately assessed the situation and began performing CPR.
Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) Sara Verdin received a 911 call advising that a team member at a local business became unresponsive and was not breathing. PST Verdin immediately began providing CPR instructions. While the caller was calm, clear, and seemed to know CPR, PST Verdin was very direct and definitive.
Despite the high-stress circumstances, Abby maintained her composure and executed high-quality chest compressions until emergency medical services arrived on the scene. Her swift and selfless actions sustained the patient’s circulation during those critical minutes, significantly contributing to his survival.
Through her experience, PST Verdin was able to recognize the patient’s breathing as abnormal. Abby stated that the patient was breathing asking if she should continue chest compressions, and PST Verdin insisted that compressions should continue. PST Verdin’s direction to continue CPR was instrumental and led to a life saved.
As a direct result of Abby’s intervention, the patient was successfully resuscitated, received advanced medical care, and ultimately returned home to his family.
PST Sara Verdin
Abby Yeskatalas
Meritorious Civilian Award
IN FEBRUARY OF 2024, a patron collapsed while playing basketball at the Ida Lee Park Recreation Center after complaining of chest pain and was having a heart attack.
Three Ida Lee Park Recreation Center staff members and a citizen reacted quickly by performing CPR, providing defibrillation with the Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and contacting 911.
Front Desk Clerk Aimee Cox called 911 for assistance. Aquatic Facility Supervisor Bryce Ober immediately started CPR.
Recreation Center Supervisor Sam Roesler retrieved the AED and began assisting with CPR. Citizen Howard Belle assisted with CPR and remained with the patron until the paramedics arrived.
The availability of AED machines at the recreation center, the monthly service checks of the equipment, mandated safety trainings, and certifications for Ida Lee staff, as well as the proactive and swift actions of Ms. Cox, Ms. Ober, Ms. Roesler, and Mr. Belle all played a role in ensuring a positive outcome for the patron.
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
Aimee Cox
Bryce Ober
Sam Roesler
(not pictured) Howard Bell
Civilian Medal of Honor
ON A MORNING IN JULY OF 2024, a vehicle left the roadway on Russell Branch Parkway, struck a utility pole, and caught fire.
Recognizing what was occurring, James McCollum sprang into action. Along with other citizens, he was able to pry the driver’s door open and pulled a subject to safety.
The subject was obviously in critical condition and there was fire coming from the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
Without any sort of protection equipment, and at great personal risk, Mr. McCollum acted with the upmost bravery and risked his life to attempt to save a stranger.
James McCollum
Meritorious Civilian Award
IN DECEMBER OF 2024, True Lacrosse Virginia Director Chris Rossie was running tryouts at the VA Revolution Sportsplex in Leesburg.
During tryout session a 15-year-old player was hit with a ball in the chest. He stood there briefly then collapsed to the ground. Mr. Rossie saw the player was not moving and his breathing had became labored.
He requested others to call 911 and ran with LC Director Mike Elko to find an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). When they returned, CPR was already underway.
The AED was attached and two shocks were delivered. The player was successfully revived prior to EMS arrival and was ultimately released home after hospitalization.
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
Mike Elko
Ryan Pinckney
Chris Rossie
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
Drake Schaffner
Gary Sauer
Jack Williams
(not pictured)
Jaxon Brown, Whit Brummer
Meritorious Civilian Award
IN DECEMBER OF 2024, an individual was playing tennis in the Ida Lee Recreation Center tennis bubble when they dropped to their knees, went limp, and fell forward.
Ida Lee staff-initiated CPR and attached the Automated External Defibrillator (AED), which delivered two shocks. By the time EMS arrived, the individual was breathing and had a strong pulse. They were treated at the hospital and made a complete recovery.
Jordan Monroe (not pictured) Cody Madson
INCIDENT SEVENTEEN
Meritorious Civilian Award
LOCAL CITIZEN Peg McDermott was on a zoom call with her business coach when he had a medical emergency and became unresponsive.
Ms. McDermott instantly called 911 and provided as much information as possible. She was willing to jump through continuous hoops to help find where he was located.
After figuring out that his last known address was in Middleburg, dispatched units forced entry, didn’t find the patient, so she continued assisting further.
As the patient started to become more alert, she was able to get his attention, asked for the address and relayed all the information correctly.
The entire 911 call was about 30 minutes in total. Without Ms. McDermott, emergency personnel could not have gotten the patient help.
Peg McDermott
Lifesaving Award
IN JUNE OF 2024, a critical incident happened at the Indoor Training and Gun Range off Shreve Mill Road in Leesburg where a first responder sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen.
Immediate care was administered by EMS 601 and Medic 614. They applied pressure to the wound, Administered two liters of blood which stabilized the patient before transferring them to the closest hospital.
Due to the quick thinking and actions of the first responders, the patient was treated and transferred to the operating room within eight minutes of arriving to the hospital.
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
Lt. Trevor Colby
Lt. Robert Cunningham
FF/EMT Clayton Dietrich
FF/AEMT Joseph Dundas
Lt. Earl Hall
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
FF/EMT Stone Hykes
Capt. Joshua Pebler
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
FFII/AEMT Amanda Sconfienza
Lt. Stephen Shuhayda
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
FF/EMT Bradley Smith
FF/EMT James Weeks
Unit Citation
DURING AN INCIDENT IN AUGUST OF 2024, EMS 601, responded to the scene at the request of M622B, for an adult with severe gastrointestinal bleeding.
The patient was becoming more lethargic with markedly abnormal vital signs consistent with shock from blood loss.
The patient received two units of blood enroute to Inova Loudoun Hospital with significant improvement and stabilization. He went on to make a full recovery from what could be a fatal medical event. The rapid administration of whole blood played a significant role in the positive outcome for the patient.
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
FF/EMT Sean Burrows
FF/EMT Charles (Tyler) Green Capt. Kelly Myers
Unit Citation & Lifesaving Award
IN SEPTEMBER OF 2024, the Pediatric Emergency Department at Inova Loudoun Hospital received an EMS call notifying staff of an impending pre-term delivery in the field being transported to their facility.
The mother delivered a baby at just 24 weeks gestation in her home, and dad called 911 for help.
Captain Kelly Myers, serving as EMS 601, Engine 622, Medic 622B, and Medic 606B arrived on scene to find a tiny baby who was miraculously alive. The team acted quickly and used what resources they had available to intubate the baby.
Captain Myers wasted no time hopping on the stretcher and placing the baby between her legs wrapped in a warming blanket to minimize cold exposure.
The hospital team was given enough notice to have every resource at their disposal ready and waiting for when mom and baby arrived. The hospital team was grateful for the expertise of the fire and rescue personnel that provided the best possible patient care for both patients.
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
FF/EMT Sher Afgan
Lt. Robert Andrew
FF/EMT Sean Burrows
FF/EMT Milton Fletcher
FF/EMT Christopher Hiponia
FF/EMT Edward Pifer
LIFESAVING AWARD
Capt. Kelly Myers
Tech. Connor Shendow
Unit Citation
IN MARCH OF 2024, crews were dispatched to a residence for an adult experiencing severe trouble breathing. The crews called for additional resources, including the EMS Supervisor, as they headed to the scene.
The patient had a significant medical history requiring them to have a tracheostomy and be on a mechanical ventilator.
Crews found the patient unconscious on their bed with the mechanical ventilator attached and determined the patient was in respiratory arrest and quickly deteriorated into full cardiac arrest.
Crews quickly initiated CPR and lifesaving measures. They determined the patient’s tracheostomy was obstructed with blood. Crews placed a new trach tube in the patient and provided aggressive airway management. This occurred while performing CPR.
An ultrasound revealed organized cardiac activity with a matching pulse. With ongoing critical care treatment, the patient was transported and delivered alive to emergency department staff.
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
Capt. Michael Burrier
Lt. Zhengan Chen
Lt. Robert Cunningham
FF/EMT Patrick Davis
FF/EMT Ricardo Flores
Tech. Christopher Kinnaird II
FF/EMT Timothy Kofoet
Capt. Joshua Pebler
FF/EMT Adam White
TWENTY-TWO
Unit Citation
FF/EMT John Paul Gaston
FF/EMT
Capt. Jason Dice
FF/EMT Logan Dinterman
FF/EMT Daniel Herdman
FF/EMT Lydia Hovey
FF/EMT Liam Ittenbach
IN JULY 2024, UNITS FROM Loudoun County Fire and Rescue and Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority responded to a chemical hazardous materials gas in Sterling.
9-1-1 calls reported multiple injuries quickly escalating to well over 30 patients suffering from an anhydrous ammonia leak from the facility. Fire and Rescue units arrived on the scene and found several patients self-evacuating the area with a vapor cloud visible from a refrigerant component on the exterior of the building. Engine 624, Rescue 635, and Engine 303 searched the structure and confirmed all victims were evacuated, and they placed a vapor control water handline on the cloud to disperse the ammonia.
Hazardous Materials Units were met by the onsite refrigerant manager who advised there was a malfunction with one of the relief valves in the system and how to secure the valve.
The Hazardous Materials Team determined the necessary steps required to secure the active ammonia leak. After the leak was secured, personnel on the scene continued ventilating the remaining ammonia from the structure.
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FF III Richard Bania
FF/EMT Roosevelt Butler
Christopher Cloud
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
FF/EMT Zachary Eicher
Concurrent to the firefighting operations, initial arriving EMS units immediately began to evaluate an estimated 300 facility staff on scene.
On scene treatment included roughly 200 staff and transport of 34 patients, including 5 critical patients.
Due to the swift actions of initial arriving units placing the vapor suppression handline in service and the rapid deployment of skilled hazardous materials personnel, the incident was mitigated in a rapid manor.
Although this appears to be a simple task, the damage of a continuous leak could have created additional harm to others and the surrounding community.
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
FF III Rose Kamunya
Lt. Christopher Kerkstra
Lt. Jason Loveless
Capt. Kelly Myers
Lt. Nicholas Pierson
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Tech. Nathan Smith
Tech. Jesse Ralston
Capt. Jeffrey Taylor
FF III Marcus Thomas
FF/EMT Sean Whitson
Lt. Mark Wynkoop
INCIDENT TWENTY-THREE
Lifesaving Award
IN MAY 2024, FIRE AND RESCUE UNITS FROM Sterling Park, Kincora, Moorefield, Fairfax County, and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority responded to a structure fire in Sterling.
Crews arrived on scene to find fire showing from the front of a single-family house and reports of one person trapped inside.
Firefighters made entry, quickly extinguished the fire, and rescued one occupant who had become disoriented and overcome by smoke.
The individual was promptly treated by EMS personnel and transported by ground to Med-Star Washington Hospital Center for further medical attention.
A second resident and a bystander were also treated and transported to Reston Hospital.
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
FF/EMT Trevor Craker
Lt. Justin Hooker
When disaster victims need help navigating the road to recovery, we map out the journey ahead.
1-800-BOARDUP is a disaster recovery organization dedicated to assisting individuals during some of the most challenging times.
Charting
the
Course for an Easier Recovery Process
• Emergency Response: Available 24/7, our trained emergency responders o er essential victim assistance services and promptly secure properties.
• Clear Directions Forward: We focus on addressing people’s immediate needs and developing a clear, step-by-step plan for their recovery.
• A Safe, Reliable Hando : We ensure a seamless transition from emergency response to recovery, always prioritizing the safety and well-being of those a ected.
Gold, Silver, & Bronze Medals of Valor, Certificate of Valor, & Unit Citation
ON FEBRUARY 16, 2024, fire and rescue units were dispatched to a reported gas leak at a home on Silver Ridge Drive in Sterling, Virginia.
Responders identified the source as an underground propane tank. Additional units were requested to assist, and on-scene crews evacuated the occupants and their pets, then began ventilating the structure.
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
GOLD MEDAL OF VALOR
FF Trevor Brown
SILVER MEDAL OF VALOR
FF Brian Diamond
Lt. Christopher Kerkstra
BRONZE MEDAL OF VALOR
FF Nancy Cortez
BRONZE MEDAL OF VALOR
FF Steven Keesler, Jr.
BRONZE MEDAL OF VALOR
AEMT Allison Key
While the officer from Truck 611 and the firefighter from Engine 618 were inside the basement opening windows, the propane ignited without warning, causing a catastrophic explosion.
The blast leveled the home, sent debris into the street, and damaged several neighboring properties.
Firefighter Trevor Brown, operating outside the home, succumbed to injuries suffered in the explosion. The two firefighters inside the basement were trapped by debris and called a Mayday over their portable radios.
Firefighters on the exterior sustained significant injuries, with several buried under debris. Some self-extricated and began assisting other injured firefighters.
Additional first responders arrived, and efforts were initiated to rescue the trapped firefighters and care for the injured. Loudoun County Sheriff’s Deputies were among the first to render first aid until emergency medical services personnel arrived.
The Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center was inundated with 911 calls reporting the explosion. Despite the enormous resource requests, communication professionals continued to handle additional 911 calls for medical emergencies, auto accidents, and fires, maintaining emergency service delivery across Loudoun County.
(continued)
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
BRONZE MEDAL OF VALOR
Tech Scott Key
Tech James Lockhart
Capt. Karam Mashaal
FF/EMT Allison Orlowski
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
CERTIFICATE OF VALOR
Asst. Fire Chief Byron Andrews
UNIT CITATION
AIC Natas Bache
FF/EMT Matthew Boger
FF/EMT William Brantner
PST Sup. Michael Brosan
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
UNIT CITATION
PST Micheala Browning
CERTIFICATE OF VALOR
Lt. David Bulman
Capt. Bryce Chapman
Dep. Edmund Chong
Capt. Tom Clappi
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
CERTIFICATE OF VALOR
FF/EMT Kevin Daskalovitz
Capt. Jason Dice
Dep. Sean Doogue
Tech. David Feder
PST Arin Flook
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
CERTIFICATE OF VALOR
Capt. Troy Gittings
UNIT CITATION
AIC Sergey Fedorovsky
Tech. Jeffrey Garvie
Capt. Jimmy Gray
PST Stephanie Griffiths
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
CERTIFICATE OF VALOR
MP Joseph Hacay
Dep. Robert Hefner
Lt. Michael Hott
UNIT CITATION
AEMT Emelyn Hernandez
PST Sean Hicks
Gold, Silver, & Bronze Medals of Valor, Certificate of Valor, & Unit Citation
CERTIFICATE
UNIT CITATION
FF/EMT Stone Hykes
AIC Garrett Irving
The two firefighters trapped in the basement ran out of time as the debris was on fire and their air supply was depleting quickly. Under the direction of the on-scene command officer, units organized and deployed an extrication plan to remove the debris and locate the firefighters.
Crews worked tirelessly and without personal caution until both firefighters emerged from the basement, injured but alive. Over 85 apparatus carrying more than 125 personnel converged on the scene. First responders from Loudoun County, Fairfax County, and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority contributed to the rescue efforts.
The explosion injured 14 people, including the fatality of Firefighter Trevor Brown.
(continued)
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
OF VALOR
Lt. Jason Ilowite
Dep. Chief Aaron Jacobs
CERTIFICATE OF VALOR Sgt. Scott Kennedy
UNIT CITATION
D/O Ryan Kaminski
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
CERTIFICATE OF VALOR
Lt. Michael Kovach
FF John Larsen
Tech. Ryan McCaffrey
UNIT CITATION
PST Jessica Lamb
FF/EMT Tyler J. Martin
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
CERTIFICATE OF VALOR
Lt. Boyd Morris
UNIT CITATION
EMT Lauren Murphy
EMT Faizan Nasir
Paramedic Samuel Neglia
AEMT Nicholas Neglia
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
CERTIFICATE OF VALOR
Dep. Lauren Nelson
Dep. Brandon Noland
Dep. Nicholas Pechstein
Lt. Tristan Quigley
FF/EMT Abigail Savat
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
CERTIFICATE OF VALOR
FF/EMT Emma Sweeney
Tech. Adam Scheetz
UNIT CITATION
PST Arelys Perez
AEMT Lynn Robinson
FF/EMT Jonathan Sauter
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
CERTIFICATE OF VALOR
Dep. Daren Smith
Dep. Justin Sperling
FF/EMT Gabriel Vidal
UNIT CITATION
D/O Casey Sullivan
EMT Samantha Wahl
Gold, Silver, & Bronze Medals of Valor, Certificate of Valor, & Unit Citation
Several members of the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System were severely injured, along with a member of the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, two residents, and a mutual aid firefighter.
Property damage extended to at least six additional residential structures. Besides the destroyed residence, three other structures were deemed unsafe for continued occupancy.
In the face of insurmountable odds, call takers, dispatchers, and first responders from the region reacted with a common goal: to save their own.
The swift response and coordination of all involved in this tragedy are commendable and deserve recognition.
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
CERTIFICATE OF VALOR
Batt. Chief Todd Webber
FF/EMT Noah Wing
Lt. Nathan Wise UNIT CITATION
FF/EMT Ryan Welch
UNIT CITATION Lt. Daniel Young
UNIT CITATION Paramedic Emily Young
UNIT CITATION
D/O Mark Zamor
(not pictured)
Batt. Chief Matthew Burns
2025 Valor Awards Sponsors
SIGNATURE SPONSOR
HEROISM SPONSOR FIRST RESPONDER SPONSOR
GUARDIAN SPONSORS
40 th ANNIVERSARY SPONSOR
PROGRAM SPONSORS
BELFOR Property Restoration
Road Runner Wrecker Services
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DESSERT SPONSOR
BRAVERY SPONSORS
Credits
TABLE SPONSORS
+ Inova Loudoun Hospital
+ Microsoft
+ Miles & Stockbridge
BENEFACTOR TABLES
+ Apple Federal Credit Union
+ Brad Hoffman
+ Carol Barbe
+ Loudoun First Responders Foundation
+ Loudoun Credit Union
+ Modern Mechanical
+ NuAxis
+ Potomac Leadership Group
+ Potomac Promoters
+ Strongbridge LLC
+ Toth Financial Advisory Corp.
+ Stacey Metcalfe
+ Rotary Club of Broadlands
+ The Barn at Brambleton
+ YHB
FIRST RESPONDER TABLE
+ Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System
+ Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office
+ Leesburg Policy Department
+ Purcellville Police Department
2025 VALOR COMMITTEE MEMBERS
+ Threase Baker, ABBTECH Professional Resources, Inc.
+ April Brown, Inova Loudoun Hospital
+ Kent Gaines, Belfor Property Restoration
+ Betsy Henry, Loud & Clear Marketing, LLC
+ Tony Howard, Loudoun Chamber
+ Emily Johnson, Town of Purcellville
+ Tina Johnson, CEO Consulting Group, LLC
+ Suzanne Kelly, StoneSprings Hospital Center
+ Lisa Max, The Arc of Loudoun
+ Stacey Metcalfe, Morven Park
+ Dr. John Morgan, Loudoun County Fire and Rescue
+ Deputy Chief Michael Nally, Loudoun County Fire and Rescue
+ Shane Murphy, Miles & Stockbridge
+ Dorri O’Brien, Inova Loudoun Hospital
+ Sherry Phillips, Loudoun County Fire and Rescue
+ Paige Romanow, Loudoun Chamber
+ Major Craig Schleiden, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office
+ Michelle Thompson, BFPE International
+ MPO Dan Troxell, Leesburg Police Department
+ Jordan Tyczka, Inova Loudoun Hospital
Thank you for your support of
40th Annual Loudoun Valor Awards
The Loudoun Chamber of Commerce is Loudoun County’s premier business advocacy organization and is dedicated to creating enduring economic prosperity, individual opportunity, and community vitality in Loudoun County for every business and every resident of our community.
LEARN MORE > LOUDOUNCHAMBER.ORG
When disaster victims need help navigating the road to recovery, we map out the journey ahead.
1-800-BOARDUP is a disaster recovery organization dedicated to assisting individuals during some of the most challenging times.
Charting the Course for an Easier Recovery Process
• Emergency Response: Available 24/7, our trained emergency responders o er essential victim assistance services and promptly secure properties.
• Clear Directions Forward: We focus on addressing people’s immediate needs and developing a clear, step-by-step plan for their recovery.
• A Safe, Reliable Hando : We ensure a seamless transition from emergency response to recovery, always prioritizing the safety and well-being of those a ected.
2025 Loudoun Chamber Annual Sponsors
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE SPONSORS
PRESIDENT’S LEVEL SPONSORS
PARTNERS IN MEMBERSHIP
