Arlington, VA - The Arlington Chamber of Commerce held the 30th Annual Valor Awards Ceremony & Luncheon on Wednesday, April 11 at the Fort Myers Officer's Club. The awards ceremony was held to honor members of the Arlington County Police, Fire and Sheriff Departments, as well as the Office of Emergency Management, who have exemplified extraordinary heroic actions and exceptional performance of duty. Nearly 180 guests attended the awards to recognize these men and women for their services to Arlington County.
| 2012 Valor Award Honorees (list of honorees below)
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"Often, this is the only public recognition these officers receive," said Chamber President Rich Doud. "It is unique to hear how their heroic acts occurred and to meet the officers involved. We are fortunate that they work in Arlington and perform so selflessly in the service of our businesses and citizens."
The ceremony began with a Presentation of the Colors by a combined Color Guard, and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Colonel Carl Coffman, Joint Base Commander of Myer-Henderson Hall. Chamber Chair Doug Brammer of Verizon welcomed guests to the event, then introduced keynote speaker Steve Chenevey, ABC7 Morning/Noon News Anchor. After reading a letter of remarks from U.S. Senator Mark Warner, who was unable to attend the event, Chenevey read the citations for each award presented, noting the humble bravery and dedication of each individual.
Leadership of all respective departments submitted nominations, and a selection committee chose the final honorees. The 2012 Arlington Chamber of Commerce Valor Award Honorees are as follows:
Arlington County Office of Emergency Management
Emergency Communication Team, represented by Assistant Supervisor Richard Spencer - Life-Saving Award
Arlington County Fire Department
Battalion Chief Christopher Dever - Meritorious Service Award
Firefighter I Joaquin Ibarra & Firefighter II Corey Sherrill - Life-Saving Award
Firefighter II Alexander Dimoff, Lieutenant Jacob Johnson, Battalion Chief Stuart Insley, Firefighter II Mark Jaquays & Firefighter II Chad Stamps - Life-Saving Award
Arlington County Office of the Sheriff
LaShawn Fisher - Meritorious Service Award
Lieutenant Jimmie Barrett, Jr. - Valor Award
Arlington County Police Department
Ann Mountjoy - Meritorious Service Award
Officer Sara Balch & Officer Sean Giligan - Life Saving Award
Officer Jason Cox, Corporal Jim Mastoras & Corporal Al Taber - Life Saving Award
Corporal Steve Gomez & Corporal Mindy Woods - Valor with Life-Saving Award
Corporal Kevin Riley - Valor with Life-Saving Award
Distinguished guests of the event included Virginia Delegate Bob Brink, Virginia Delegate Patrick Hope, Virginia Delegate Alfonso Lopez, Congressman Jim Moran, Arlington County Board Chair Mary Hynes, Arlington County Sheriff Beth Arthur, Commonwealth's Attorney Theo Stamos, Commissioner of Revenue Ingrid Morroy, Clerk of the Court Paul Ferguson and County Treasurer Frank O'Leary. Other notable guests not elected, but of great importance to the way in which the Arlington community is run, include Arlington County Manager Barbara Donnellan, Arlington County Chief of Police Doug Scott and Arlington County Fire Chief Jim Schwartz.
For more information about the awards ceremony, detailed information on the honorees or high-resolution photographs, please contact Communications Coordinator Amy Fisher at (703) 525-2400 or afisher@arlingtonchamber.org.
Special thanks to this year's Grand Sponsor Virginia Hospital Center and Select Sponsor Verizon for making this ceremony possible.
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