MANASSAS – (Press Release) The Prince William Chamber of Commerce hosted the 33rd Annual Valor Awards at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, honoring over 100 of the community’s finest to a crowd of over 600 attendees.
The amazing stories were narrated by Aaron Gilchrest from NBC4 and the crowds enjoyed light refreshments from Potomac Place Assisted Living Community.
“We are thrilled to have hosted the PW Chamber’s 33rd Annual Valor Awards. It was an amazing afternoon to recognize and celebrate our many local heroes. This was truly a special moment for us, for the first time ever, we were able to open this celebration up to the whole community to attend for free. We all enjoyed the positive high energy felt by the Award recipients and attendees alike when the dramatic and daring scenarios of heroism were read aloud. We are proud to be a part of this wonderful community” said Chamber President and CEO, Debbie Jones.
The Prince William Chamber annually hosts the Valor Awards as a way to honor the men and women who not only keep our community safe, but also rise to the occasion when needed the most.
Business Sponsors of the event were Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, Inova, GrassRoot Communications, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Amazon, Youth for Tomorrow, Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC), DG Photography, Potomac Place Assisted Living Community, InsideNOVA, East to West Embroidery & Design, Inc., Society of Former Agents of the FBI, Inc., Northern Virginia Community College-Woodbridge Campus, Mike Garcia Construction, Inc., Elite Shooting Sports, LLC, FVCBank, CAS Severn’s, M.C. Dean, Inc., The Freedom Team REMAX Realty, and our Quality of Life Partner Zeiders Enterprises.
List of Awardees
Haymarket Police Department
Merit Award for Valor—Officer John Gregory
Stonewall Jackson Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad
Merit Award for Valor-Firefighter/EMT Carlos Ambrosini
Silver Award for Valor-Firefighter Ian Lauderdale
Manassas Volunteer Fire Company
Bronze Award for Valor-Firefighter Terry Norling
City of Manassas Park Department of Fire & Rescue
Valorous Unit Award-Battalion 589, Battalion Chief Adam Jones, Engine 509, Fire Medic Randy Leach, Firefighter/EMT Kentry Snow, Medic 509, Captain Josh Brandon, Fire Medic John Pearre, Master Firefighter David Sullivan
Manassas City Police Department
Merit Award for Valor-Senior Police Officer Alexander
Merit Award for Valor-Parking Enforcement Officer Isabel Meyers
Merit Award for Valor-Officer Joshua Aussems, Officer Shaun Barrett, Officer Ethan Eustace, Officer Juan Armas
Hillary Robinette Award-Senior Detective Speights
Hillary Robinette Award–Lieutenant Elia Alfonso. Sergeant Serena Bowers, Master Detective Michael Gemmell, Master Detective Tim Urey, Master Detective Jonathan Agule, Senior Detective Speights, Detective Luis Armas, Officer Ryan McCarthy, Crime Analyst Alemayehu
Prince William County Police Department
Investigative Merit Award-Officer Ronald Carpio, Detective Lourdes Cainas, Detective Donald DeShazo, Rose Hellmann, Crime Scene Specialist Shreya Kamath, Crime Analyst Rebekah Kushner, Detective Katherine, Zaimis, Detective Jonathan Kennedy
Investigative Merit Award-Detective Nathan Thomas, Detective Robyn Hyatt, Detective Victor Cordero, Detective Josh Lane, Crime Analyst Jacquelin Graham, Crime Analyst Dawn Locke-Trillhaase
Merit Award for Valor-Officer Sean K. Richards
Hillary Robinette Award-Detective Helga Thorsdottir
Hilary Robinette Award-Officer Darrick Dillon, Detective Joshua Lane, Detective John Agule(MCPD), Detective Derrick Black(MCPD), Detective Jeremy Booth, Detective Simon Chu, Detective Christopher Koglin(MPPD), Detective Alicia Larkins, Detective Kevin Morin, Detective Matthew Newton, Detective Walter O’Neal, Detective Daniel Sekely, Detective Wayne Smith, Detective Nicholas Waymire, Detective Robert White, Sergeant Gavin Young(MCPD), Sergeant Ryan Pavol, First Sergeant Kenneth Hulsey
Silver Award for Valor-Officer Joshua Myers, Officer Christopher Hume, Officer Jordanis Lozier, Officer Jonathan Seals, Officer Nicholas Kelly, Investigator Robert Drumm, Officer Brian Kimble
Gold Award for Valor-Officer John Yenchak, Officer Franco Martinez, Officer Rachel Mynier, Officer Matthew Takats, Officer Nicholas Kelly, Officer Evan Jurgensen, Officer Jordanis Lozier, Officer Taylor Claton, Officer Benjamin Infanti, Officer Wade Dickinson, Officer Travis Hardman, First Sergeant Daniel Crawford, Officer Kevin Vasquez, Sergeant David Bliss
Prince William County Department of Fire & Rescue
Valorous Unit-Swift Water Boat 524, Captain Brian Ferguson, Technician I Victor Vega, Technician I Aldo Bonilla, Technician I Michael Chergosky
Merit Award for Valor-Technician I Cody Durham
Merit Award for Valor-Lieutenant Kenneth Zack
Merit Award for Valor-Lieutenant Nick Feliciano, Technician II Chris Gott
Valorous Unit-Rescue Squad 510, Technician II Christopher Clark, Driver: Technician II Daniel Jackson, Officer Bucket: Technician I Kevin Ganssle, Driver Bucket: Technician I Michael Baker
Recent Stories
The Stafford County Simply Perfect Wedding Expo is coming up on February 8, 2025, at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center in Fredericksburg! This event is a must for couples planning their big day, featuring top wedding vendors, venues, florists, caterers, photographers, and more—all in one place.
If you’re a wedding professional, vendor opportunities are available, but spaces are limited. Don’t miss your chance to connect with engaged couples ready to plan their special day!
Prince William County Sheriff Glendell Hill announced that online applications are open for the Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute (VSI) Scholarship Program for the 2025-2026 school year.
The scholarship provides financial assistance to students attending Virginia colleges and universities who are majoring in criminal justice, excluding those pursuing a law degree or legal career. Applicants must obtain a letter of recommendation from their resident sheriff before applying.
Prince William County residents must contact the Sheriff’s Office by April 4, 2025, to schedule an appointment with Sheriff Hill for the recommendation. The deadline to submit the online application and required documents is May 1, 2025. More details and application materials are available on the VSI website.
Prince William County has scrapped its $300 million Route 28 Bypass project, leaving residents and officials debating the next steps for traffic relief. The project, which would have taken 70 homes, faced rising costs, land acquisition hurdles, and a lack of Fairfax County support. Manassas Mayor Michelle Davis Younger criticized the decision, saying her city is “stuck in the middle.” Meanwhile, State Sen. Danica Roem is pushing forward with $62.5 million in intersection improvements. A town hall on Route 28’s future will be held Feb. 26 at Manassas Park City Hall. Read more about what’s next for local transportation.
A pedestrian crash in Nokesville claimed the life of a Manassas man, while Stafford deputies used drones and SWAT tactics to track down an armed suspect who fled into the woods. In another unusual case, an intoxicated man mistook a Bible study for a human trafficking operation, forcing his way inside and threatening attendees. Additional incidents include a DUI arrest, multiple fraud cases, stolen vehicles, and public intoxication. Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity. Click the headline for the full story.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
