The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce proudly welcomed 400 businesses and first responders to the 8th Annual First Responders Appreciation Breakfast on August 21, 2024. This event provided our regional business community with the opportunity to formally recognize and express gratitude to our first responders for their immense sacrifices and unwavering dedication to our safety.
Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Virginia, Jason Miyares, delivered a heartfelt keynote address, sharing his personal experiences and interactions with first responders. His words resonated with the audience, emphasizing the critical impact that these brave men and women have on our lives.
During the event, the Chamber awarded 19 first responders for their exceptional service, recognizing them in categories such as Heroism, Unit Citation, and Merit. The Heroism Awards were presented in various distinctions, including gold, silver, bronze, unit awards, and merit awards, acknowledging those who have demonstrated extraordinary bravery and heroism.
The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to host this event annually, ensuring that our community never forgets the sacrifices and contributions of our first responders.
Caroline County
Caroline County Fire and Rescue Unit Citation Life Saving Award
On March 26, 2024, the Caroline Fire Rescue Medic 2-1 crew (Denver Bonham, Shaun Boutchyard, Matthew Harper, and Christa Call) responded to a cardiac arrest. Bystanders had already initiated CPR and used an AED before the crew arrived. The team confirmed the patient was in ventricular fibrillation and defibrillated them, restoring a pulse at 9:30 AM. After rearresting during transport, the patient was defibrillated again, regaining a pulse at 9:51 AM. The patient was later diagnosed with a severe heart attack and successfully discharged from the hospital. The swift and skilled actions of the Medic 2-1 and Engine 10 crews were crucial to the patient’s survival.
Caroline County Citizens Valor Award
On the morning of March 26, 2024, three Caroline County citizens, Shericka Twyner, Russell Trainer, and Desiree Dushane, displayed remarkable dedication and compassion. When Mrs. Twyner saw an unresponsive man on the sidewalk, she recognized him as her neighbor and after a quick assessment, immediately began CPR. Off-duty Henrico firefighter/medic Russell Trainer soon arrived and took over CPR, enhancing the efforts to save the man’s life. Mrs. Twyner quickly retrieved an AED from the nearby YMCA that she manages, and with the help of neighbor Desiree Dushane, they prepared the device for defibrillation. Their coordinated actions kept the man alive until professional medics arrived.
Fredericksburg City
Fredericksburg City Police Department- The Business of First Responding Award In late 2023, Captain Crystal Hill discovered that Mary Washington Hospital would stop drawing blood for DUI investigations starting January 1, 2024. Anticipating the impact this would have, she developed the Fredericksburg Police Department’s (FPD) Law Enforcement Phlebotomy Program. After gaining support from key stakeholders, she selected and trained FPD’s first phlebotomists. By July 2024, the program was fully operational with four trained phlebotomists and the necessary equipment, including a chair donated by Rappahannock Regional Jail. Captain Hill also established policies and a Phlebotomy Coordinator role to ensure the program’s success. The program has already led to successful blood draws, helping to ensure DUI offenders are effectively prosecuted, with a lasting positive impact on law enforcement and the community.
Fredericksburg City Police Department- Excellence in Criminal Investigation In March 2023, the Fredericksburg Police Department launched an investigation into a motor vehicle theft involving a suspect who initially identified himself as “Orion Dean Constantine,” later revealed to be Fred Lee Dick Jr. The suspect, falsely claiming to be a U.S. Marine, manipulated a woman he met on a dating app into purchasing an $88,000 Dodge Ram truck, which he then stole. Detective Gloria Mejia led the investigation, collecting crucial evidence such as receipts, fingerprints, DNA, and digital data. Her work revealed that Dick had used multiple identities to deceive women across various states. By June 2023, Detective Mejia identified Dick through facial recognition and corroborating evidence. Further investigation showed that he had engaged in a series of fraudulent activities involving multiple victims across state lines. In January 2024, forensic analysis linked Dick’s DNA to the crime, leading to a Grand Larceny warrant with nationwide extradition. Despite the warrant, Dick remains at large. Detective Mejia’s thorough investigation has exposed Dick’s extensive criminal activities, prompting more victims to come forward. The case underscores the complexities of multi-state fraud investigations and the critical role of forensic analysis in achieving justice.
Fredericksburg City Police Department- Gold Heroism On July 21st, 2023, the Fredericksburg Police E-911 Center received a report of a male brandishing a knife, physically assaulting and older man, and demanding money from multiple people in the 1400 block of Sunken Road. Officer Gregory Baugher was dispatched to the incident. Officer Baugher quickly located the offender and ordered him to drop the knife. The offender ignored the officer’s commands and charged Officer Baugher with the knife. Officer Baugher discharged his firearm, striking the offender. Additional officers arrived and immediately rendered life-saving measures to the offender until medics arrived. EMS transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Officer Gregory Baugher has been employed with the Fredericksburg Police Department since 2019.
King George
King George Sheriff’s Department Bronze Heroism Award
On June 25, 2024, Deputy Megan Smith responded to a reckless driving incident on Route 301. While searching for the suspect vehicle, she arrived at the scene of a head-on collision where the suspect vehicle had caught fire. The crash involved multiple victims: a severely injured female and a male who was unresponsive and trapped in the burning vehicle.
Deputy Smith quickly assessed the situation, evacuated bystanders, and extinguished the fire under the suspect vehicle. Her prompt actions and effective coordination with other first responders helped ensure the safety of civilians and first responders. Despite the severity of the injuries sustained by the suspect and others, Deputy Smith’s decisive and courageous efforts were crucial in saving lives and protecting bystanders.
King George Fire and Rescue Silver Heroism Award
On March 18, 2024, Lieutenant Harold Myers, who had just finished his shift, noticed a residential fire at James Madison Parkway, King George. Seeing smoke rising from a house, he realized it was a serious fire and immediately took action.
LT Myers discovered a woman breaking a window, indicating her daughter was trapped inside. Despite the dangerous conditions, including heavy smoke and advancing fire, LT Myers attempted to rescue the victim through the window and then entered the house through the front door. He battled heavy smoke and fire, while also rescuing a cat from the house.
When additional fire units arrived, including RE2 with Master Tech Balderson, and M2 with FF Halsall and FF Mondragon, LT Myers guided them to the trapped individual. FF Halsall and FF Mondragon found the 31-year-old autistic female under her bed and successfully removed her from the house.
The fire was eventually suppressed by NDW Company 28, and both the mother and daughter were treated and airlifted for smoke inhalation and potential airway burns. LT Myers, who had no protective gear and suffered mild smoke inhalation himself, played a crucial role in the rescue and coordination of the response.
The teamwork and heroism demonstrated by LT Myers and all responding units were instrumental in the successful rescue and treatment of the victims.
Rappahannock Regional Jail
Rappahannock Regional Jail Unit Citation Award
On September 20, 2023, a parolee from Connecticut, who was on parole for murder, allegedly committed a malicious wounding in North Stafford, VA. While being processed at the Rappahannock Regional Jail, he became violent, attacking Officer Stephanie Robbins and incapacitating her before assaulting Officer Gregory Carter, who attempted to call for help. Despite his injuries, Officer Carter tried to distract the inmate but was pinned down. Corporal Guzman responded and radioed for assistance. Officer Tony Coles arrived, rescued Officer Carter, and, with Corporal Guzman, subdued the inmate. Officers Robbins and Carter sustained serious injuries but have since returned to full duty after recovery. Officer Coles showed exceptional restraint and decisiveness, preventing further harm. The officers demonstrated extraordinary bravery and heroism in dealing with the dangerous situation.
Spotsylvania
Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office Excellence in Criminal Investigation Award
Deputy First Class Toni Dean, part of the newly established Behavioral Health Unit for the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, leveraged her training and law enforcement experience to provide critical support during a mental health crisis in the Spring of 2024. Initially responding to a suicidal individual, Deputy Dean’s follow-up revealed broader concerns, including personal safety, financial issues, and the need for a criminal investigation. She coordinated a comprehensive response involving the Criminal Investigations Division, Naval Criminal Investigation Services, Social Services, and out-of-state law enforcement. As a result, the suicidal individual received full treatment, the family obtained financial support, and the criminal investigation was thoroughly conducted, all due to Deputy Dean’s dedicated efforts.
Spotsylvania Fire and Rescue Unit Citation Lifesaving Award
On July 3rd, 2024, Spotsylvania emergency crews responded to an unconscious 68-year-old male in cardiac arrest at the 10800 block of Stacy Run. Ladder 11, A11-1, and EMS-2 (Technician I Robert Dornbusch, FF Justin Schmitt, Technician II Stephen Montminy, Lt. Taylor Haynie, Technician II Abraham Switala, FF Mitchell Ratcliff) arrived to find CPR already in progress. The responders provided advanced life support (ALS) care and, after 45 minutes of effort, successfully achieved a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). The patient was transported to Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center, where he was taken off the ventilator, neurologically intact, and is now working towards a full recovery. The skill, teamwork, and professionalism of the fire responders were instrumental in the patient’s survival and recovery.
Spotsylvania Fire and Rescue Unit Citation Lifesaving Award
On July 5th, 2023, the Spotsylvania County ECC responded to a motor vehicle accident involving multiple patients, including a critically injured 7-year-old child. Fire and rescue units arrived to find the child, who was unresponsive but receiving CPR from bystanders and a registered nurse. A2-3 (Lt. Darrin Clegg, Tech II Stephen Zydiak, FF Lane Catlett, Tech I Evans Harless, FF Alyssa Papa, Lt Mark Cunningham) took over care, providing advanced EMS interventions and transporting the child to a landing zone for AirCare 6. The team, including Rescue Engine 1 and EMS-2, administered critical ALS care and performed Rapid Sequence Intubation before transferring the patient to the helicopter. The child was found to have a severe head injury, but the prompt and skilled care by
Stafford
Stafford County Fire and Rescue The Business of First Responding Award
Capt. Jon Hensen has had an integral role in establishing a statewide deployable water rescue team. Jon has spent countless hours for the past 8 years ensuring team training and equipment have led up to becoming a VDEM team. He has trained and rostered over 70 water technicians to include 10 water rescue instructors. He has played a vital role in the development of policies, procedures and a project management plan that ensures team operations are efficient and effective. He was recently recognized by VA State EM Coordinator Shawn Talmadge for his work in becoming a deployable team.
Stafford County Sheriff’s Department Unit Citation Award
On April 10, 2024, Stafford Sheriff’s Office personnel responded to a domestic disturbance involving a husband, wife, and their two children. The situation escalated when the husband, armed with a handgun, began firing shots at his family while dispatchers listened. As law enforcement arrived, they found the woman and children hiding in an upper bedroom, with the armed suspect moving throughout the house.
Detective Boyle, an Assistant SWAT Team Leader, quickly developed a plan to rescue the family. Along with Detective Sergeant M.E. Steininger, Sergeant B.A. Demirci, Deputy C.M. Strene, and Deputy M.A. Pearce, he entered the residence under great personal risk. They positioned themselves between the family and the suspect, successfully extracting the woman and children unharmed. Their decisive actions allowed the situation to be resolved safely, with the suspect taken into custody over two hours later.
Stafford County Fire and Rescue Unit Citation Heroism Award
On January 9, 2024, Stafford FRD units responded to a water rescue at the Falmouth Bridge, where rising floodwaters trapped a person in a tent. The situation was dire, with river conditions rapidly worsening. Swift Water Boat 1, with a crew led by Ashby Storke and Capt. Scott Pylant, deployed to rescue the victim, battling extreme currents, poor visibility, and debris. Despite several challenges, including the boat getting caught in debris, the team successfully rescued the victim with assistance from Raft 1, Master Technician Dan Broughton, Technician Jason Kearney, Technician Andrew Domin & Master Technician Jeff Lutz and Water Boat 12, Jon Hensen & Patrick Buice . The victim was safely transported to the hospital, and no injuries were reported among the rescue personnel, showcasing their exceptional training and bravery.
Stafford County Fire and Rescue Unit Citation Award
On June 5, 2024, a crew responded to an emergency involving a pedestrian being struck by a train The Subject had been found by CSX after a prolonged time of being injured. Units hiked through the woods with equipment to access the patient. Once located, it was determined that the patient had significant injuries requiring air transport. Crews coordinated with multiple agencies in order to get the patient to the landing zone. This involved an initial transport via CSX equipment to Brooke VRE and then to a transport unit for further medical care, prior to being flown to Fairfax.
This incident was unique as crews that included; MT Patric Hon, Capt. Scott Strain, Tech Epi Perez, FF Jordan Smith, Tech Ian Hayes, FF Timothy Brownwell, FF Maddie Lowe, FF Dominic Staples had to hike equipment in, develop a safe plan to get the patient to definitive care, coordinate with multiple agencies, and work in an environment that was different and more difficult than usual.
Stafford County Fire and Rescue Unit Citation Award
HPOF Swift Water crew (Austin Pylant, Scott Pylant, William Morgan, Matthew Myers) made 5 rescues & 15 assists of civilians in the river. They experienced a flash thunderstorm during high tide creating hazardous conditions. Due to their presence and quick actions, no civilians were seriously injured.
Stafford County Fire and Rescue Citizens Valor Award
Guillermo Shelton and Austin Leonard. On February 29, 2024, Stafford County Fire and Rescue units were dispatched for a reported vehicle fire with entrapment on I-95 Northbound, in the area of MM 147. When units arrived, they found a passenger vehicle on fire, with an injured patient located outside of the vehicle. The patient had been removed from the vehicle by two gentlemen, one who was working on I-95 and a passing truck driver. The two worked together, using fire extinguishers and removed the patient from the vehicle, saving the patient’s life. The patient was turned over to Stafford County Fire and Rescue crews upon their arrival and transported to the hospital.
Virginia State Police
VA State Police Excellence in Criminal Investigation:
Trooper Carr-Olschewski responded to what appeared to be a lawful repossession. Trooper Carr-Olschewski fully listened to and engaged with the reporting party, and uncovered a fraudulent activity affecting local residents as well as persons around the State. While the investigation is still ongoing, Trooper Carr-Olschewski was able to provide relief for victims through his investigative efforts.
Photos taken by Larry W. Stone Photography. To see all photos from the event, click HERE
