The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber has partnered with the local law enforcement and fire & rescue agencies in our region to host the Valor Awards presented by Bank of Clarke, recognizing public safety professionals, volunteers, and citizens who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in protecting our community. This summer, public safety agencies and community members will nominate recipients they believe performed courageous and selfless acts, and a committee consisting of local leaders will be selecting the award winners.
Valor Award Classifications and Criteria
CITIZENS AWARD
Recognition of citizen(s) for their extraordinary acts of courage in emergency situations or actions which directly result in the saving of a human life.
UNIT CITATION
Recognition of acts by a unit/division/company demonstrating unusual judgment, ingenuity and/or personal risk and bravery during an emergency situation, when such action is beyond that normally expected in the performance of duty.
MERITORIOUS ACTION AWARD
Recognition of individuals for exemplary action, placing themselves in a situation of personal risk.
LIFESAVING AWARD
Recognition of actions in emergency circumstances which directly results in saving of a human life.
CERTIFICATE OF VALOR
Recognition of actions demonstrating unusual judgment, zeal or ingenuity, not normally involved in the performance of duties.
BRONZE AWARD OF VALOR
Recognition of acts involving personal risk and demonstrating unusual judgment, zeal and/or ingenuity during an emergency situation, when such action is beyond that normally expected in the performance of duty.
SILVER AWARD OF VALOR
Recognition of acts involving significant personal risk and bravery beyond that which is expected during the normal performance of duty.
GOLD AWARD OF VALOR
Recognition of acts involving supreme sacrifice or extreme personal risk and heroism which is clearly above and beyond the call of duty.
SAVE THE DATE: 2026 VALOR AWARDS
The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber is proud to host the 2026 Valor Awards, presented by Bank of Clarke, an inspiring evening dedicated to honoring the courage, commitment, and selfless service of the first responders, public safety professionals, and community heroes who make a difference throughout our region every day.
Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Shenandoah Valley Golf Club
Join us as we honor those who go above and beyond in service to our communities. Additional details, including nominations, sponsorship opportunities, and ticket information, will be available soon.
Mark your calendar and plan to be part of this inspiring evening of recognition and celebration.
Sponsorship Opportunities Now Available!
Put your brand in the spotlight while making a lasting impact in our community. Have questions or ready to get involved? Contact events@regionalchamber.biz to learn more.
Congratulations to the 2025 Valor Award Recipients:
Unit Citation - Firefighter Colby Anderson, Specialist Tyler Wakeman, Captain David Hupp, Specialist Brandon Holaday, Technician Brittany Driver, Lieutenant John Wright, Specialist Anthony Lafollette, Specialist Kaegan Horvat, Battalion Chief Leslie Hawkins
Unit Citation - Corporal Tom Keller, Officer Dylan Holliday, Officer Sean Lenhoff, Officer Alexandra Warren, Officer Anna Griffin, Officer Gary Hennen, Sergeant Ryan Oravec, Detective Morgan Minor, Detective Jesse Beatty, Detective Adam McCoy, Detective Jared Miller, Detective Jonathan Dixon, Detective Luke Joslin
Lifesaving Award - Corporal Keller, Detective Morgan Minor, Officer Holliday
Lifesaving Award - Deputy Wayne Alsberry, Deputy Sarah Galbraith
Lifesaving Award - Firefighter Andrew Sengstack
Lifesaving Award - Shift Supervisor Michelle Cunningham of Frederick County Public Safety Communications
Lifesaving Award - Deputy Michael Momsen, Communications Officer Jennifer Hardy, Lieutenant Josh Terrell, Specialist Matt Riley, Technician Andrew Plunkett, Captain David Hupp, Firefighter Frederick Biddulph, Specialist Heather Hughes, Volunteer Firefighter Caden Mello
Meritorious Action Awards- Officer Alexandra Warren, Officer Morgan Gilcrest, Officer Anna Griffin
Certificate of Valor - Paramedic Ashley Hoffmann