[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 25, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E301]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE 1997 FAIRFAX COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE VALOR AWARD 
                                WINNERS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 25, 1997

  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the 1997 Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce Valor Award winners. On 
Tuesday, February 13, 1997, the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce 
presented the annual valor awards at the McLean Hilton.
  The valor awards honor public service officers who have demonstrated 
extreme self-sacrifice, personal bravery, and ingenuity in the 
performance of their duty. There are five categories. the Gold Medal of 
Valor, the Silver Medal of Valor, the Bronze Medal of Valor, the 
Certificate of Valor, the Life Saving Award.
  The Valor Awards is a project of the Fairfax County Chamber of 
Commerce, in conjunction with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. 
This is the 19th year that these awards have been presented.
  The Gold Medal of Valor is awarded in recognition of acts involving 
extreme personal risk far beyond the call of duty. The Gold Medal of 
Valor Award winner for 1997 is: Technician George Lewis.
  The Silver Medal of Valor is awarded in recognition of acts involving 
great personal risk. The Silver Medal of Valor Award winners for 1997 
are: Officer Chris Hayo, Officer Troy Payne, Master Technical Michael 
Huffman, and Technician Beverley Carroll.
  The Bronze Medal of Valor is awarded in recognition of acts involving 
unusual risk beyond that which should be expected while performing the 
usual responsibilities of the member.
  The Bronze Medal of Valor Award winners for 1997 are: Officer Michael 
Bishop, Officer Robert Greissinger, Sgt. Francis Stecco, Officer Dennis 
Vorbau, Officer Kenneth Campo, Officer Michael Twomey, Officer Mark 
Dale, Officer Steven Carroll, Officer Kevin Murphy, Detective John 
Kuch, Detective Richard Reeder, Detective Thomas Soltow, Detective 
Ronquillo Dean, Detective Warren McGee, Detective Jack Kirk, and 
Technician Michael Weldon.
  The Certificate of Valor is awarded for acts that involve personal 
risk and/or demonstration of judgment, zeal, or ingenuity not normally 
involved in the performance of duties.
  The Certificate of Valor Award winners for 1997 are: Officer Donald 
Cooke, Officer Jason Reichel, Officer Shawn Bennett, Capt. Donald 
Simpson, 2d Lt. Dennnis O'Neill, Officer George Lopez, Officer John 
Absalon, Officer Wade Jordan, Officer James Nida, Officer David Bane, 
2d Lt. Margaret DeBoard, and Recruit Gary Beaver.
  The Lifesaving Award is awarded for acts taken in life-threatening 
situations where an individual's life is in jeopardy, either medically 
or physically.
  The Lifesaving Award winners for 1997 are: Deputy Charles Brown, 
Corporal Vernon Thompson, Deputy Scottie Dotson, Officer Steven Faett, 
2d Lt. Robert Hersey, Officer Christopher Thomas, Supervisor John 
Kirby, PSCA III Susan Farria, Capt. Michael Ward, Technician John 
Chabal, and Lt. Jerome Williams.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in commending these fine 
citizens who are truly deserving of the title ``hero.''

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