39th Annual Loudoun Valor Awards Program

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.

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 First Class Shekora Vaughn Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office

INVOCATION

Rizwan Jaka, All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS)

SPONSOR & VIP RECOGNITION

REMARKS FROM CHIEF KEITH JOHNSON

LOUDOUN FIRST RESPONDERS FOUNDATION

Tina Johnson, LFRF Chair of the Board

LUNCH

SIGNATURE SPONSOR REMARKS

Inova Loudoun Hospital

STU PLITMAN AWARD

VALOR AWARDS PRESENTATION

Scott Thurman & Victoria Sanchez, ABC7 News

CLOSING REMARKS

Raising Money to Help Our First Responders in Their Times of Need

Average time it takes to receive LFRF support funding

Amount Red Tape for Receiving Support

Support Money Awarded

Awarded to First Responders and their children

Volunteer Run Charity

Of LFRF funding comes from fundraisers and partner donations

A LETTER FROM THE Loudoun Chamber

Welcome to the 39th Annual Loudoun County Valor Awards!

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Loudoun Chamber, we thank you for joining your Loudoun County friends and neighbors for this proud Loudoun Chamber tradition.

Thank you for joining us at the 39th Annual Loudoun County Valor Award, where we gather to honor the true heroes in our community: those heroic first responders, whose courageous and often lifesaving actions in the line of duty deserve our respect and appreciation.

Today, we honor those exceptional few whose heroic actions clearly met the test of rising well “above and beyond the call of duty,” and earned them a Valor Award.

For nearly four decades, the Loudoun Chamber has been privileged to present these awards, to express our deep and abiding gratitude for the service of our career and volunteer emergency first responders. The Chamber also is proud to honor our citizens who, when faced with an emergency, stepped up to assist another person in their time of need.

The Loudoun business community greatly values our community’s uniformed career and volunteer public safety personnel, whose service and commitment are essential to our quality of life. We are proud to celebrate them and their service at the Annual Loudoun County Valor Awards, and we are thrilled that you chose to join us for this celebration.

On behalf of the Loudoun Chamber, and our more than 1,100 member businesses and community organizations, I congratulate our 2024 Valor Award honorees!

Tony Howard, President & CEO, Loudoun Chamber

Angela Mitchell, Chair of the 2024 Board of Directors

NORTHWEST FEDERAL CREDIT UNION IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF THE Loudoun County Valor Awards

Members of the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce are eligible to join Northwest! Start enjoying our money-saving member benefits including our competitive loan and savings rates and free checking with rewards.

Congratulations to this year’s award winners and thank you for your service!

Agency Chiefs

The Loudoun County Public Safety Community is honored to welcome you to the Loudoun County Valor Award’s 39th 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.

The Loudoun County Public Safety Community is honored to welcome you to the Loudoun County Valor Award’s 39th 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 incidents, deeds, acts 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 are appreciative of the Award recipients for their service and contributions both in-and-out of the line-of-duty. We congratulate all our 2024 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!

Thank you to our outstanding service professionals who make Salamander Middleburg such a special destination for our community and guests. Salamander Middleburg is one of only five properties in the United States and 13 globally to earn separate Forbes Five-Star Awards for its accommodations, restaurant, and spa.

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

CHIEF KEITH JOHNSON JOINED Loudoun County’s Combined Fire and Rescue System in 2014 and has led the System since 2018.

In his role, Chief Johnson has been a staunch advocate for all aspects of the fire service in Loudoun, especially first responder safety and wellness; diversity; volunteer recruitment and retention; and training.

Chief Johnson is an equally robust champion for fire safety measures that protect all Virginians, including automatic fire sprinklers and a free smoke alarm program.

As a respected leader, Chief Johnson was named Chair of Virginia’s Fire Services Board and represents the Department of Fire Programs on the Virginia Housing and Community Development Board, which is responsible for statewide building and fire codes.

As a past president of the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association, his contributions have significantly influenced the life safety codes and ordinances that protect all residents.

Chief Johnson also championed numerous innovations that have earned national and international recognition. A notable example is the FACT*R field blood delivery program, which has won several awards, including a Governor’s Award in Emergency Medical Service.

FACT*R was conceived when Loudoun paramedics recognized the importance of administering blood to critical patients at the scene before hospital transport.

Chief Keith Johnson Chief Cynthia McAlister

This groundbreaking innovation has improved patient outcomes, by accelerating the delivery of life-saving care as quickly as possible.

Chief Cynthia McAlister has been leading the Purcellville Police Department since June 2015, where she has made community policing and community outreach core priorities.

One of her first initiatives was the “Books and Badges” program, a weekly story time for young children, in partnership with the Purcellville Library.

Another outreach effort initiated by Chief McAlister is “Coffee with a Cop,” which is aimed at improving relationships between police officers and community members.

With a commitment to diversity and partnership at all levels, Chief McAlister has reached out to include other local law enforcement partners, such as the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office and Loudoun County Fire Marshall’s Office.

Chief McAlister has also partnered with local high schools and a local nonprofit, BetterALife, to create the Homework Club. Through this partnership, students at Woodgrove and Loudoun Valley high schools receive free meals and tutoring, improving their academics while fostering positive relationships with law enforcement.

These are just a few examples of how Chief McAlister has emphasized partnerships and community outreach to foster strong relationships that have made Purcellville safer for all who live or visit there.

For their leadership and commitment to finding innovative solutions and partnerships to positively impact public safety, the Loudoun Chamber is proud to honor Chief Cynthia McAlister and Chief Keith Johnson with the 2024 Stu Plitman Community Service Awards.

Lifesaving Award

IN SEPTEMBER 2023, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office responded to a distress call from a victim who had been wounded by his daughter. The victim had a severe laceration to his left arm, with the bone exposed.

Master Deputy Linda Parker and Sergeant Joshua Edney arrived promptly and secured the scene.

Despite the suspect having fled, the deputies assessed the victim’s condition and realized he was losing significant blood.

Acting swiftly, Master Deputy Parker removed her tourniquet and handed it to Sergeant Edney, who applied it to the victim’s arm, effectively slowing the bleeding. The victim was then transported to Reston Hospital, where he underwent surgery to close the wound.

“The victim had a severe laceration to his left arm, with the bone exposed.”

Thanks to the quick actions of Sergeant Edney and Master Deputy Parker, the victim’s life was saved.

Sgt. Joshua Edney Master Deputy Linda Parker

Lifesaving Award

IN AUGUST 2023 at the Loudoun County Courthouse Complex, Deputy First Class James Hollar sprang into action when he noticed a co-worker experiencing a medical emergency. He promptly activated the emergency medical response system.

Working as a bailiff in a Circuit Courtroom, DFC Hollar oversaw a sensitive case. Unexpectedly, Deputy First Class Robert Isleib entered the courtroom and sat down. DFC Hollar engaged with DFC Isleib and observed confusion, an inability to construct coherent answers, and a departure from his usual behavior. Concerned, DFC Hollar swiftly summoned assistance to move DFC Isleib to Sergeant Trautner’s office.

Recognizing the urgency, DFC Hollar suspected a stroke and understood the critical time frame for medical intervention. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) rapidly transported DFC Isleib to Cornwall Hospital. There, crucial medication was administered to dissolve the brain blockage causing the stroke. Within minutes, DFC Isleib’s condition improved significantly.

The attending doctors informed Sergeant Trautner that stroke patients typically have a 90-minute window for treatment before severe symptoms cause lasting brain damage. Thanks to DFC Hollar’s quick thinking and immediate action, DFC Isleib received an early diagnosis, leading to full recovery and reduced risk of future strokes.

DFC James Hollar

Unit Citation

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

DFC Zachary Blackall

DFC Matthew Connell

DFC Michael Davidson

Sgt. Joshua Edney

DFC Joseph Fletcher

IN JANUARY 2023, DURING A SHIFT CHANGE, night and dayshift units swiftly responded to an assault involving a hatchet in Hamilton. Initial reports indicated serious injuries, and the suspect had fled on foot. Deputies Zachary Blackall, Michael Davidson, Matthew Connell, and Joseph Fletcher were the first on the scene.

Deputy Davidson immediately administered life-saving CPR and provided clear radio communication to other deputies. Deputy Fletcher took over after conducting a protective sweep of the residence.

Meanwhile, Deputy Reynolds assisted with CPR until EMS arrived. Without hesitation, Deputy Blackall and Deputy Connell searched for the armed suspect. Their quick action led to the suspect’s apprehension in a neighbor’s driveway, preventing further harm.

Sergeant Joshua Edney commanded the secondary crime scene where the suspect was captured. He ensured minimal disturbance and maintained evidence integrity. Lieutenant Mel Holmes was additionally recognized for this Unit Citation as her work was integral during this incident.

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

2nd Lt. Mel Holmes

DFC Jeremy Reynolds

Expertly managing a complex situation involving multiple deputies, EMS personnel, and neighborhood traffic, these responders acted exceptionally to keep the community safe.

Lifesaving Award

DFC Daren Smith

DFC Justin Sperling

IN FEBRUARY 2023, Deputies Justin Sperling and Darren Smith responded to a stabbing incident in the parking lot of 21800 Town Center Plaza. The victim had sustained multiple stab wounds to the upper torso.

Deputy Sperling acted swiftly, requesting expedited rescue, and immediately provided life-saving care. Drawing on his military and law enforcement training, he applied pressure to a wound that had injured the victim’s lungs and kidney. With one hand maintaining pressure on two wounds, he skillfully opened pouches of gauze and bandages while assessing the victim for additional injuries.

“The victim had sustained multiple stab wounds to the upper torso.

Deputy Smith, an EMT/ SWAT Medic, arrived promptly and joined Deputy Sperling in treating the victim. Recognizing the severity of the injuries and the risk of fatal blood loss, Deputy Smith applied two chest seals from his medical kit. Both deputies remained calm and reassuring throughout the encounter, continuing to care for the victim as shock set in. They persisted until EMS arrived.

EMS took over and transported the victim to Reston Hospital Trauma Center. The Trauma Surgeon confirmed that Deputies Sperling and Smith’s quick actions and life-saving measures were crucial in saving the victim’s life.

Their quick actions, levelheaded thinking, and commitment enabled them to save the victim’s life.

Unit Citation

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

DFC Abigail Gingras

DFC Daren Smith

DFC Justin Sperling

IN APRIL 2023, Deputy First Class Daren Smith, DFC Abigail Gingras, and DFC Justin Sperling responded to a call for assistance when a family member had been stabbed multiple times.

DFC Gingras arrived first, finding the victim covered in blood on the living room floor. The apartment walls and floor were also stained with blood. Inside, the victim’s five young children were in shock and worried about their mother.

Without hesitation, DFC Gingras cut off the victim’s clothing to locate all stab wounds and applied gauze and pressure to stop the bleeding.

“...the victim’s five young children were in shock and worried about their mother.”

Deputies Smith and Sperling joined in, with DFC Smith placing a chest seal on the victim’s back wound and packing another wound on her arm. DFC Sperling tended to multiple puncture wounds on the victim’s left shoulder.

Their swift actions prevented significant blood loss, potentially saving the victim’s life. Despite the chaotic scene, the deputies remained calm, providing medical assistance and securing the crime scene.

Deputies Gingras, Smith, and Sperling exemplified unwavering dedication to families in crisis.

Unit Citation

IN JULY 2023, Sergeant Tony Outlaw, Deputy First Class Joshua Doroski, and Master Deputy Anne Ottosen responded to a distress call at Gilberts Corner Regional Park. The situation involved a suicidal individual.

Upon arrival, they encountered a woman who had suffered past trauma and was wielding a knife, seemingly attempting to provoke the deputies into shooting her.

Sgt. Outlaw took charge, engaging in a calm conversation with the distressed woman. He skillfully de-escalated the situation while providing radio updates to other responding deputies.

Sgt. Outlaw requested additional resources and directed the team, all while maintaining verbal communication with the woman.

DFC Doroski arrived next and established rapport by genuinely expressing concern for the woman’s well-being. Simultaneously, he remained aware of his surroundings, ensuring safety for himself and Sgt. Outlaw. His actions allowed Sgt. Outlaw to focus on supervisory duties.

MD Ottosen joined the scene minutes later and recognized an opportunity to use less-lethal equipment. Approaching from a strategic angle, MD Ottosen incapacitated the woman, knocking the knife from her grasp. Once she was disarmed, Sgt. Outlaw instructed deputies to secure her in restraints.

Together, these deputies successfully de-escalated the situation, taking the woman into protective custody for psychiatric treatment without causing harm. Their leadership, teamwork, and swift decision-making saved a life and provided essential care for her trauma.

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

DFC Joshua Doroski

MD Anne Ottosen

Sgt. Tony Outlaw

INCIDENT SEVEN

Certificate of Valor

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM DFC James Gutshall DFC Jeremy Reynolds

IN APRIL 2023, Deputy First Class Jeremy Reynolds and Deputy First Class James Gutshall responded to a welfare check in Western Loudoun County. The call involved a male in a possible emotional crisis.

Upon arrival, Dep. Reynolds heard an engine running in the garage. Using his flashlight, he peered through the nearest window and saw a man sitting in the front seat of a running pickup truck. Dep. Gutshall attempted to open the garage doors but was unsuccessful due to blockage from large items inside.

The deputies acted swiftly, gaining access to the residence and locating the interior garage door. They discovered the garage door openers had been disabled. Working together, they manually opened the door, removed the subject from his vehicle, and carried him outside for fresh air.

Dep. Gutshall noticed the victim’s slow and shallow breathing. He performed a sternal rub to stimulate respirations. Following Dep. Reynolds’ suggestion, they placed the subject in the recovery position. EMS personnel arrived and confirmed that the subject’s depressed respirations would have been fatal if he remained in the enclosed garage filled with exhaust.

The subject was transported to the hospital for advanced medical care. The deputies’ coordinated efforts saved a life during this critical incident.

Unit Citation & Lifesaving Award

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

UNIT CITATION

Regan Alcazar

Jon Boese

Sean Conroy

Blair Forrester

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM UNIT CITATION

Denise Gay

Jessica Hoffman

Michael Hovermale

Becki Houchins

IN APRIL 2023, Deputy Christopher Brannan and Deputy First Class James Gutshall swiftly responded to an Active Violence Incident at the Dulles Town Center Mall. Reports indicated a victim was possibly shot near the Cheesecake Factory.

Arriving at the Cheesecake Factory, they found the victim lying on the ground, surrounded by a crowd. Drawing from their military experience, both deputies were skilled in providing medical aid to trauma victims. Deputy Brannan assessed the victim while DFC Gutshall secured the area, moving bystanders and ensuring safety. They also organized witnesses for statements.

Deputy Brannan identified a small bullet wound in the victim’s upper left abdomen and promptly applied a chest seal from his trauma kit. DFC Gutshall assisted, maintaining security until rescue arrived. He remained vigilant for additional threats.

When EMS arrived, DFC Gutshall directed Deputy Brannan to accompany the victim in the ambulance, ensuring security during transport to Reston Hospital.

Their unwavering response, despite the potential danger, and their trauma care expertise made a life-saving impact.

During the incident at the Dulles Town Center Mall, the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center faced an overwhelming surge of 911 calls reporting gunshots. As call takers diligently answered and processed this deluge of calls, dispatchers swiftly coordinated first responders to the scene.

FROM

Jeffrey Kish

Desiree LoBianco

Krissy Meredith

Lauren Parker

Capt. Jacob Sherer

Sheriff Deputies swiftly moved toward the reported gunshots, while Fire and Rescue units prepared to treat and transport victims. Amidst the chaos, first responders worked to secure the area, treat a gunshot victim, assess other patients, and prevent potential fires by securing utilities in the food court.

Meanwhile, a dedicated group of call takers and dispatchers seamlessly supported field responders while continuing to handle incoming 911 calls. Their unwavering commitment ensured that all emergencies in Loudoun County were promptly addressed.

Despite the high-pressure situation, the Emergency Communications Center staff managed 13 incidents and numerous unrelated telephone calls during this critical time.

FROM

Diane Shew

Jessica Snowden

Quinn Vanderbilt FROM

Unit Citation & Meritorious Civilian Award

FROM

UNIT CITATION

FF Brady Kelly

Asst. Chief Chris Kermode

FROM

UNIT CITATION

Tech/EMR Edward Jackson

EMT Ethan Stephens

FF Matthew Lockman

IN SEPTEMBER 2023, a group of people gathered in a parking lot, chatting around their vehicles. Inside a pickup truck, one individual proudly displayed his handgun to friends. Suddenly, an accidental discharge occurred, and a 9mm bullet severed a major artery and vein in his upper thigh.

Matthew Kakol, standing outside the vehicle, reacted swiftly. He pulled the injured person from the truck and placed him on the ground. Drawing on basic first aid knowledge, Kakol grabbed a nearby t-shirt and applied direct pressure to the wound, slowing the bleeding. Simultaneously, he directed others to call 911.

Within minutes, units from Purcellville arrived, including Assistant Chief Chris Kermode, Technician Edward Jackson, EMT Ethan Stephens, Firefighter

Matthew Lockman, and Probationary Firefighter Brady Kelly. Kermode assessed the scene, ensuring safety for entry. Identifying a single bullet hole, he positioned a tourniquet and later added a second one while packing the wound’s entry and exit sites.

The patient was transported by ambulance to Inova Fairfax Trauma Center with life-threatening injuries. During transport, he received two units of whole blood. Following surgical repair, the victim made a full recovery.

Matthew Kakol’s quick actions, combined with his first-aid expertise and composed demeanor, were instrumental. Assistant Chief Kermode’s rapid response to stop the bleeding undeniably saved the victim’s life.

Unit Citation & Lifesaving Award

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

LIFESAVING AWARD

Deputy Stewart Marcantel

UNIT CITATION

Captain Nicole Artisst

FF/PM Daniel Bishop

FF/PM Brian Brandt

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

UNIT CITATION

Chaplain Bob Enright

Lt. Earl “Kenny” Fox

FF/EMT Kyle Fogle

FF/EMT Alan Hornyak

IN SEPTEMBER 2023, the parents of a 12-yearold urgently dialed 911 when their son suddenly lost consciousness and stopped breathing. Zachary Spencer, a call taker at the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center, swiftly grasped the gravity of the situation. He promptly dispatched the full complement of Fire and EMS resources, suspecting cardiac arrest.

Guiding the parents over the phone, Zachary coached them through CPR. First responders arrived, including Lieutenant Clayton Parmenter, Firefighter/AEMT Joshua Kehne, Firefighter/ AEMT James Ryan, and Loudoun County Sheriff’s Deputy Stewart Marcantel. Deputy Marcantel took over CPR, while the Medic crew initiated advanced medical care.

UNIT CITATION

FF/AEMT Joshua Kehne

Lt. Clayton Parmenter

FF/AEMT James Ryan

Additional Fire and EMS units joined the effort: Paramedic Engine 627 with Lieutenant Earl Fox, Firefighter/Medic Brian Brandt, Firefighter Kyle Fogle, Firefighter Kaylah Smothers, EMS Captain Nicole Artisst, and Medic 623 with Firefighter/Medic Daniel Bishop and Firefighter Alan Hornyak. Their coordinated actions restored the child’s pulse, and he was transported to Inova Loudoun Hospital.

Thanks to the parents, Zachary, first responders, including Chaplain Robert Enright, and dedicated hospital staff, the boy made a remarkable recovery.

INCIDENT ELEVEN

Meritorious Civilian & Lifesaving Award

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

MERITORIOUS CIVILIAN AWARD

Vivienne Campbell

LIFESAVING AWARD

Chief Kathleen Harasek

Deputy Cameron McQuade

IN MAY 2023, at a department store, a cardiac arrest unfolded, prompting emergency dispatch. Civilian Nurse Vivienne Campbell witnessed the crisis and immediately initiated CPR. Sterling Volunteer Rescue Chief Kathleen Harasek, alerted nearby, rushed to the scene. She joined Miss Campbell in administering life-saving measures.

Loudoun County Sheriff’s Deputy Cameron McQuade arrived with an AED, successfully delivering one shock. Fire and Rescue teams swiftly took over, following the High-Performance CPR model. Their coordinated efforts paid off—the patient regained a pulse and began speaking.

Emergently transported to Inova Loudoun Hospital, the patient made a remarkable recovery. The willingness of bystanders and the exceptional teamwork of first responders played a pivotal role in saving a life.

Civilian Medal of Honor & Bronze Medal of Valor

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

CIVILIAN MEDAL OF VALOR

Bernadette Boyle

Sean Groft

Tiffany Hall

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

CIVILIAN MEDAL OF VALOR

Brendan Quigley

Vickie Singer

(not pictured)

Erin Barlow

Mitch Raymo

BRONZE MEDAL OF VALOR

FF ll Max Walsh

IN DECEMBER 2023, a harrowing incident unfolded near Battlefield Parkway and Potomac Station Drive NE. A single vehicle crashed into a utility pole, igniting in flames. Amidst the chaos, a group of courageous citizens demonstrated remarkable bravery, resourcefulness, and determination to save lives.

Off-duty Loudoun County Fire and Rescue (LCFR)

Firefighter Max Walsh and Mitchell Raymo were driving home when they noticed smoke. Arriving at the scene, they encountered a vehicle engulfed in flames and smoke. Despite the danger, Walsh used his bare hand to break a window, assisted by Mitchell and witnesses Erin Barlow, Bernadette Boyle, and Sean Groft.

Together, they pulled the driver to safety. Brendan Quigley, another witness, covered the driver with his coat and retrieved a fire extinguisher from his car, attempting to break the windows of the burning vehicle.

When the driver mentioned his wife, Walsh returned to the vehicle, determined to find another victim. Meanwhile, Tiffany Hall sprinted across six lanes of traffic to fetch a fire extinguisher from a nearby Arby’s restaurant. As the situation intensified, LCFR Company 20, Walsh’s usual truck, arrived. Armed with a halligan tool, Walsh breached the passenger side.

Despite the woman’s burns, he secured an oxygen mask on her, borrowed from another firefighter. Moments later, she was safely removed as firefighters cut open the door.

Thanks to the collective efforts of these brave individuals, lives were saved amidst the flames and chaos.

Unit Citation

IN FEBRUARY 2023, units responded to a structure fire in Sterling. The Emergency Communications Center had received reports that someone might be trapped inside. Upon arrival, Rescue 635 swiftly forced entry and initiated a search.

Despite poor visibility due to smoke, Lieutenant Jason Ilowite and Technician Stuart Hambel pressed down a hallway, followed by Firefighter Noah Wing and Firefighter Emma Sweeney.

Lt. Ilowite and Tech. Hambel discovered an unconscious victim lying in the hallway leading to the primary bedroom. Amidst thick smoke, they confirmed the find and dragged the victim to the foyer. FF Wing and FF Sweeney assisted in carrying the victim out of the building. In the front yard, the unconscious patient received care from a medic unit. The coordinated efforts of these heroic responders saved the victim’s life, preventing a tragic outcome.

“Amidst thick smoke...they dragged the victim to the foyer.””

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

Lt. Jason Ilowite Tech. Stuart Hambel FF Emma Sweeney FF ll Noah Wing

Falcon is a leading HVAC and Plumbing business in the Loudoun community, having amassed more than 40 awards for their excellent customer service and giving back to the community.

Thank you to Allegra for being a Program Sponsor and supporting the 39th Annual Loudoun Valor Awards!

Certificate of Valor

IN APRIL 2023, first responders received an urgent call about a construction site incident: two workers possibly electrocuted. Arriving at the scene, they discovered that the power company was working near a new housing development.

Medic 613, led by Lieutenant Robert Doody and accompanied by Firefighter/Medic Adam White and Firefighter/AEMT Milton Fletcher, promptly searched for victims. They found two severely injured male patients between two underconstruction homes. Lieutenant Doody informed Captain William Bliss of Engine 620 about the situation.

“The highvoltage electrocution scene posed significant challenges...”

During their assessment, they noticed a long stabilizer leg for scaffolding leaning against three powerlines along the homes’ backside.

Medic 613 Delta, with Firefighter/Medic Jonathan Miranda and Firefighter Tiffany Borggren, collaborated with Engine 620’s crew— Technician Chris Waybright and Firefighter Jonathan Sauter—to extract the first patient. Safely moving the victim away from the hazard, Medic 613 provided additional medical care.

FF/EMT Brandon Ferguson

FF/AEMT Milton Fletcher

FF/PM Jonathan Miranda

Lt Michael Quinn

Truck 620, led by Lieutenant Michael Quinn and including Technician John Atchison, Firefighter Brandon Ferguson, and Firefighter Taylor Stong, swiftly rescued the second victim from the rear of the building. Both patients were transported by ambulance to MedStar Washington Hospital.

This high-voltage electrocution scene posed significant challenges, but the vigilant and cautious first responders prevented further harm and delivered life-saving care to the critically burned patients.

FF/EMT Jonathan Sauter

FF/EMT Taylor Stong

FF/Paramedic Adam White

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM Tech Chris Waybright

Civilian Medal of Valor

IN SEPTEMBER 2023, Loudoun County Fire and Rescue (LCFR) units responded to a vehicle fire near Southbound Sully Road and Sterling Boulevard. The situation escalated when it was discovered that a tractortrailer had rolled over.

Upon arrival, crews encountered a flaming tractor-trailer carrying food products. Amidst the chaos, three courageous civilians stepped in to assist the trapped driver. Mark Pembleton, who had been involved in a separate motor vehicle accident, managed to exit his vehicle and aid the truck driver. Despite the driver’s clothes being on fire, Pembleton and Shane Bradley pulled him to safety.

Mr. Pembleton used his hands to extinguish the flames, sustaining first and second-degree burns. Witness Jennifer O’Riley called 911, provided blankets to cover the driver and captured video evidence for the Sheriff’s Office investigation. She also endured minor smoke inhalation during the incident.

These selfless citizens risked their lives to save the truck driver, even though he tragically succumbed to his injuries. Their bravery and quick actions exemplify the spirit of community and compassion.

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

Shane Bradley

Mark Pembleton

(not pictured)

Jennifer O’Riley

Meritorious Civilian Award

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

Dr. Twana Black

Katherine Dannerfrank

Kory Dannerfrank

Suzanne Lyles

IN NOVEMBER 2023, EMS units responded to John Champe High School for an adult in cardiac arrest. Upon arrival, they found an unconscious male lying on the gym floor, surrounded by concerned individuals.

The patient wasn’t breathing, foaming at the mouth, and turning blue. Quick-thinking citizens initiated CPR while another retrieved an AED. After administering a shock with the AED, the patient regained consciousness.

Fire and rescue personnel took over care, and the patient was transported to StoneSprings Hospital. The heroic actions of Dr. Twana Black, Katherine Dannerfrank, Kory Dannerfrank, and Suzanne Lyles significantly impacted the patient’s outcome and well-being.

Meritorious Civilian Award

IN JUNE 2023, an adult female was driving a small SUV northbound on James Monroe Hwy near Braddock Road in Aldie. Suddenly, she suffered a major medical emergency, losing consciousness while behind the wheel. The SUV veered across the double yellow line into oncoming traffic and then exited onto the opposite shoulder, colliding with a tree.

Jade O’Faolean, driving southbound, witnessed the SUV swerve into her lane. She skillfully avoided a collision by crossing into the southbound lane. As the SUV passed, O’Faolean noticed the driver in distress. She promptly pulled her vehicle onto the shoulder, exited, and approached the unconscious driver.

Other concerned citizens had also stopped, and 911 was called. Loudoun County Fire Rescue (LCFR) and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) were dispatched.

Despite their efforts, the SUV’s doors and windows remained locked. Jennifer Fletcher, another witness, observed the struggle to reach the unconscious driver.

Determined to help, Fletcher retrieved an item from her car and successfully broke the window, allowing her to remove the patient from the vehicle. The combined actions of these brave citizens played a crucial role in assisting the driver during this medical emergency.

O’Faolean noticed the driver was not breathing nor did she have a pulse. She immediately began performing CPR on the adult female and continued for several minutes until LCFR units arrived on the scene and assumed over the patient’s care and continued CPR.

The patient was then transported to Reston Hospital Center by LCFR units. The lifesaving CPR efforts by O’Faolean proved critical. This allowed paramedics and doctors to continue treating the patient, who ultimately survived and was successfully discharged from the hospital. The good Samaritan efforts of Jade O’Faolean in conjunction with Jennifer Fletcher are a perfect example of how citizen intervention provided critical lifesaving care when seconds truly matter.

Jade O’Faolean

Jennifer Fletcher

Meritorious Civilian Award

Patrice Frazer (not pictured)

Yomara HidalgoVilchis

Genevieve Akouele

Zebada

IN JULY 2023, civilian Yomara Hidalgo-Vilchis located an unconscious man in an Old Navy fitting room at the Leesburg Outlets. With the assistance of employees Genevieve Zebada and Patrece Frazer, they provided CPR and rescue breaths until LCFR arrived and took over.

Officers reported that the victim had his pulse restored multiple times over an hour, and after two hours, his pulse returned to normal, and he began to breathe unassisted.

Meritorious Civilian Award

IN JUNE 2023, James Roberts and his wife Jennifer Roberts were shopping at the Petsmart in Dulles Landing. After entering the store, Mr. Roberts felt lightheaded and mentioned to his wife that he wanted to return to his car. She was not with him when he experienced a sudden cardiac arrest and collapsed to the floor unconscious, striking his head.

Civilian Olivia Greene immediately recognized the serious situation and initiated CPR. Mrs. Roberts found her husband with CPR in progress. Civilian Rachael Sasanecki was shopping when she discovered the situation and quickly called 911.

Olivia began having breathing difficulty herself due to an asthma attack at which point Mrs. Roberts took over CPR until Fire and Rescue personnel arrived. By that time, Mr. Roberts had regained his pulse and was breathing again.

First responders delivered additional advanced medical treatments and brought Mr. Roberts to Inova Loudoun Hospital where he received further cardiac care. He was eventually discharged home having made a full recovery.

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

Olivia Greene

Jennifer Roberts

Rachael Sasanecki

Meritorious Civilian Award

IN FEBRUARY 2023, a woman in her forties was exercising at the Burn Boot Camp Gym in Ashburn when she collapsed. Franchise owner Melanie Skinner and other staff Kari Svetahor, Kerry Brophy, Lorelei Nelson, and Jen Brodefuhrer recognized she was not breathing.

They initiated CPR and attached their on-site defibrillator. A single shock from the AED was delivered with a return of a pulse. When EMS arrived, the patient remained in critical condition requiring advanced medical care to assist her breathing.

She was transported to Inova Loudoun Hospital where she received additional cardiac treatments. She was eventually discharged home and made a full recovery.

She is still an active member of the gym and recently celebrated 50 camps completed in 2024.

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

Jen Brodefuhrer

Kerry Brophy

Lorelei Nelson

Melanie Skinner

Kari Svetahor

Civilian Medal of Valor

Katie Poindexter

Brad Poindexter

Zachary Turbyfill

IT WAS A BUSY “BLACK FRIDAY” after Thanksgiving at Snickers Gap Tree Farm near Round Hill, as the day was nearing its end.

Then eight-year-old Ethan Chrisman was visiting the farm with family members to pick out that year’s Christmas Tree. He and other children were playing near a pile of rocks when one of those rocks became dislodged, trapping young Ethan under a large boulder.

Ethan’s aunt, Jen Baird, attempted to lift the boulder to no avail. Ethan’s uncle, Jarred Baird, rushed to the scene where he found Ethan unconscious and pinned beneath the rock. David Trout also responded by alerting the Farm staff and other customers.

Working at the farm while on college break, Zach Turbyfill and Sam Lung were among many who joined the rescue efforts. We do not know the names of some of those Good Samaritans, who jumped in without hesitation, with Ethan’s successful rescue as their only concern.

The group attempted to lift the boulder to free Ethan. It took nine adult men and all their strength just to shift the rock enough to allow Ethan to be pulled to safety.

The rescuers soon discovered that Ethan was not breathing. The scene was chaotic, with adults yelling for help, family members were distraught, and many started praying. By now, darkness had completely enveloped the Farm, which is in a rural area of Western Loudoun County.

Amid that chaos, Brad and Katie Poindexter, a former school security officer and nurse, started doing CPR on Ethan, taking his pulse, and trying to get him to breathe. Thankfully, their efforts were successful.

Soon, a local rescue squad arrived, and they took over Ethan’s medical care. The rescue team packed Ethan into their ambulance and drove to an area of the parking lot where Ethan was airlifted to Inova Fairfax Hospital. His injuries included a collapsed lung and fractured vertebrae. Today, Ethan is well on his way to a full recovery.

Josmar Hernandez

Samuel Lung

Conor Lyons

Lifesaving Award

Corporal Christopher

Conboy

Corporal Kelly

Matthew

Corporal Jason Robinson

IN APRIL 2023, at the Turkish Airlines Lounge in Dulles International Airport, Corporal Christopher Conboy and Corporal Kelly Matthew responded swiftly to a distress call concerning a choking patron who had become unresponsive.

Upon arriving at the lounge, Corporal Conboy was guided by airline staff to the dining area, where the woman lay in distress on the floor. Her lack of responsiveness and blue-tinted face and lips indicated a critical situation. Without hesitation, Corporal Conboy initiated CPR and promptly informed the MWAA Public Safety Communications Center about the need for immediate action.

Corporal Conboy’s unwavering determination sustained several rounds of CPR until Corporal Kelly and Corporal Robinson joined the scene. Their coordinated efforts were pivotal in providing continuous lifesaving measures. Corporal Kelly swiftly retrieved an AED which was promptly applied to the woman. Meanwhile, Corporal Robinson and Corporal Conboy alternated between chest compressions and rescue breaths.

This incident underscores the importance of well-trained personnel and quick action in emergencies. FROM

“Her lack of responsiveness and blue tinted face and lips indicated a critical situation.”

Their skilled intervention, combined with the officers’ dedication, led to the successful resuscitation of the patient. She regained full alertness and responsiveness, a testament to the critical role played by these brave individuals in a moment of crisis.

Bronze Medal of Valor

IN JULY 2023, off-duty Sergeant Christopher Ihara found himself on Interstate 81, where a crash scene unfolded before his eyes. Two vehicles lay upside down in the median and left lane: a Virginia State Police cruiser and a civilian vehicle. Sgt. Ihara’s instincts kicked in, and he sprang into action.

He dialed 911 and pulled over to the shoulder, ready to render aid. Approaching the wreckage, he relayed the trooper’s license plate to the police dispatcher. But there was no response from the driver’s side. Determined, he circled to the passenger side, hoping the trooper had escaped the vehicle.

Through shattered glass and debris, he glimpsed an arm dangling down— the trooper was trapped, upside down. Unresponsive and struggling to breathe, she needed immediate help. Sgt. Ihara wasted no time. He alerted EMS that a helicopter might be necessary, fully aware of the lifethreatening situation.

Ignoring his safety, he sliced through the curtain airbags, gaining access to the cruiser’s interior. Crawling inside, he found the injured trooper. She felt cool and limp. Her position was dire, her chin pressed into her chest, impeding her breath. With precision, Sgt. Ihara cut the safety belts, freeing her from the seat. He adjusted her upper body, relieving the acute angle on her neck, allowing her to breathe more easily.

Sergeant Ihara received minor superficial cuts to his upper arm and leg during his attempts to free the injured Trooper. His immediate actions while off-duty provided aid that allowed the Trooper to regain her ability to freely breathe.

Sgt. Christopher Ihara

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