2011 Valor Award Winners for City of Manassas

Three members of the Manassas City Police department were honored at last month’s Valor Awards ceremony in Manassas.

The event took place on Wednesday, March 23 at the Prince William Chamber of Commerce. The Awards are in its 25th year and provide an opportunity for the business community to honor and recognize the men and women in public service, who do so much to protect lives and property in the greater Prince William County area. 

Nineteen public service members representing local police, fire and rescue workers from Prince William County and the cities of  Manassas and Manassas Park were presented with their award.   And without further ado, here are your 2011 Valor Award winners for the City of Manassas:

Sr. Police Office Carilyn Hittle- Bronze Medal

Officer Serena M. Bowers- Merit Award

Master Detective David Abbott- Hilary Robinette Award

According to information released by the chamber, the Bronze Medal is part of the Valor category and is awarded in situations where a public safety official demonstrates extraordinary judgment/performance during an emergency, and may include saving of a life that is threatened by medical or physical reasons.

The Merit Award is part of the Lifesaving Category and is given to a public safety official demonstrated acts above what is normally expected in the performance of duty, including putting themselves in harm's way. This award was introduced in 2004.

The Hillary Robinette Award falls under the Investigative Category and is given for demonstrated integrity in investigative work including, but not limited to,
solving a cold case,  clearing a difficult active case or the outstanding overall supervision of a particularly unusual case that is brought to a successful conclusion. The award was introduced in 2004 and named for a past member of the Valor Awards committee who believed that this kind of work deserved to be honored.

“In every community we depend on those who carry the badge, who keep the peace and serve our citizens. And in times of unrest, all Americans are grateful to those who answer the alarms and run toward danger and provide urgent care. Those who place their own lives at risk for others must be recognized and honored by their fellow citizens and so we are humbled to share the afternoon with you. On behalf of the business community of the greatest county in the Commonwealth of Virginia, thank you for being part of such a special day,” President & CEO of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce Rob Clapper told those in attendance.  

 The presenting sponsor was Sentara Potomac Hospital and ABC 7’s Gail Pennybacker narrated the inspiring stories of the award recipients.

  “As we go about our daily business and personal lives, the invaluable contribution our public safety community makes to our overall quality of life is not always at the forefront of our minds.  It is incumbent upon us to frequently pause and reflect upon the extraordinary dedication and professionalism of those among us who keep us safe and secure,” said Chamber Chairman Tim Jackson.

Information from: Prince William Chamber of Commerce.