The Gwinnett Chamber VALOR Awards, presented by Mobile Communications America and Motorola Solutions, Inc., honored local public safety officials during a ceremony this morning at the Gas South Convention Center. Recipients were recognized for their exceptional acts of bravery and service to the local community.
“The VALOR Awards recognize true champions in our community and honor those professionals who have dedicated their lives to protecting our own,” said Nick Masino, President & CEO of the Gwinnett Chamber. “Safe communities foster business growth and we are thankful to these brave men and women for their commitment to serve Gwinnett.”
The event celebrated award winners in multiple categories including two civilian life-saving awards, a first in the program’s 18-year history; and one Purple Heart award. The Purple Heart, not awarded every year, is a rare and exceptional honor bestowed on a public safety professional who has been critically injured or killed in the line of duty.
Lt. Bill Stevens was posthumously awarded the VALOR Legacy Award for his lifelong public service, and his work to help launch and grow the VALOR Awards program.
Two Public Safety Civilian Partnership Awards were bestowed for the first time in the VALOR program’s 18-year history to Mrs. Rocio Rocha for her bravery to lead several family members to safety amid a house fire, and Mrs. Patricia Rodriguez who courageously drove a bus full of children away from an active shooter situation, keeping every child free from injury during the incident.
The Medal of Merit, given to a public safety professional who demonstrates exceptional commitment to community both on- and off-duty, was presented to Corporal Mike Johnson with the Lilburn Police Department.
The Public Safety Awards honored those individuals who have performed their jobs with exceptional skill, expertise, innovation, and results. This year, a person, a unit, and a communications officer received this honor.
The…
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