Law enforcement personnel are recognized with a Valor award

Roanoke, Virginia – At the Hotel Roanoke, law enforcement officials from all around the commonwealth gathered to pay tribute to those who gave their lives in defense of their communities.

The VACP Award for Valor honors law enforcement personnel for valiant actions taken while on duty. On Tuesday, 36 officers received bravery awards.

According to Governor Glenn Youngkin, “We celebrate those heroic moments that go above and beyond our expectations that a human being would decide to put their personal life, their future, their family, and their kids at risk in order to fulfill The pledge that all of you have made.”

In the wake of a shooting in December of last year, three Roanoke City police officers received recognition for their gallantry.

Maybe you recall that evening. When police at Melrose Towers approached a person of interest, they were conducting a homicide investigation. When the man started shooting, the officers retaliated, killing him.

Chief Scott Booth of Roanoke was named the new president of the VACP after Chief Craig Branch handed him the mantle. According to VACP Executive Director Dana Shrad, Chief Booth is well-liked for his leadership.

“He is a very capable leader. He has a great deal of devotion to this organization and his neighborhood. He is often the first to provide assistance to other chiefs. Thus, I believe that having him as our next president is truly an honor for us,” Shrad remarked.

The group will commemorate its 100th anniversary next year.

Shrad stated that it’s critical to keep Virginia’s police chiefs networking and learning from one another.