FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Danni Neal 804.662.5508 dneal@retailmerchants.com www.retailmerchants.com
28
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Community Gathers to Honor First Responders at the 28th Annual Valor Awards Ceremony & Breakfast RICHMOND, VA — October 17, 2017 The 28th Annual Valor Awards Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center (GRCC) from 7:30-9:30 a.m. Retail Merchants (RMA), along with community partners, created this program to celebrate the courageous acts of our region’s First Responders and their families, with special recognition for those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. This year’s awards ceremony celebrates area First Responders from Ashland, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, Powhatan and Richmond as well as Virginia Commonwealth University Police, Virginia Union University Police, Virginia State University Police, University of Richmond Police, and J. Sargeant Reynolds Police. Award recipients include Law Enforcement Officers and Fire/EMS Personnel who have performed outstanding acts of courage, putting themselves in danger of personal risk and injury. Area Chiefs of Fire and Law Enforcement will present awards to the deserving recipients. The event emcee is Lisa Schaffner, Director of Public Relations and Marketing for the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). The Valor Awards Ceremony attracts hundreds of attendees annually, reflecting the community’s appreciation for these brave men and women. Due to the overwhelming community support over the years, last year’s event expanded to all three ballrooms at the GRCC, with nearly 1,200 people in attendance. This breakfast event is open to the public. Attendees include this year’s award recipients, their families, friends and co-workers, past award recipients, RMA members, the local business community and civilians who want to show their support to our First Responders. Every year, area Fire/EMS and Police Chiefs are asked to nominate candidates for the Valor Awards. Honors are awarded based on three sets of criteria which the nominees must meet to receive a Gold, Silver, or Bronze Valor award.