Honorees of the 18th Annual Police & Firefighters Tribute gather for a group photo, celebrating the bravery, dedication, and service of Fairfax County's first responders and public safety professionals. The event, hosted by the Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce, recognized exceptional achievements across law enforcement, firefighting, and emergency medical services."
The Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce held its 18th Annual Police & Firefighters Tribute on Friday, November 1, at the Hilton Springfield. Community members, elected officials, public safety personnel, and their families all gathered to honor the courage and dedication of Fairfax County’s law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency responders.
The evening opened with a welcome from Chamber Chairman Eric Christensen, who acknowledged the sacrifices of police, fire, and EMS personnel and expressed deep appreciation for their crucial role in maintaining the area’s security and well-being. Distinguished guests included Fairfax County Board Chair Jeff McKay, Supervisors Pat Herrity, Rodney Lusk, and Dan Storck, alongside leadership from the Fairfax County Police and Fire Departments and Fort Belvoir and emcee journalist Jonathan Elias.
The event began with the Fairfax County Joint Ceremonial Honor Guard’s presentation of colors and singing of the national anthem by Master Police Officer Genevive Kirk, followed by an invocation and blessing from Reverend Jeri Field of the Fairfax County Police Department.
Roberta Tinch, President and CEO of Inova Mount Vernon Hospital, shared remarks on the significance of supporting the local public safety community and the honor of contributing to this annual event.
Jonathan Elias then led the awards portion of the evening, which recognized the outstanding efforts of police, firefighters, and volunteers across various Fairfax County stations. The awards honored those who exemplify excellence, courage, and a deep commitment to their community.
Award recipients were as follows:
Franconia District Police Station
* Police Officer of the Year: Private First Class Sean Crotty
* Detective of the Year: Mohammad Amini
* Volunteer of the Year: APO Robert Reece
* Meritorious Service Award: John Sherburne
* Supervisor of the Year: Sergeant Brian Donoghue
Mount Vernon District Police Station
* Police Officer of the Year: Police Officer First Class Jacob Ucakay
* Detective of the Year: Amanda Showronski
* Auxiliary Police Officer of the Year: Keith Shaver
* Supervisor of the Year: Sergeant Ryan Malloch
* Meritorious Service Award: Parking Enforcement Officer Frank Sims Jr.
West Springfield Police Station
* Police Officer of the Year: Police Officer First Class Cherise Milligan
* Detective of the Year: Steven Malloch
* Volunteer of the Year: Auxiliary Police Officer Vinay Narang
* Meritorious Service Award: VIP Dave Saunders
* Supervisor of the Year: 2nd Lt. Jason Krull
Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department
* Public Safety Dispatcher of the Year: Communicator Brandi Welch
* Fairfax County Firefighter of the Year: Richard Cantarella
* Volunteer Fire Fighter of the Year: Paul Lago
* The Fire & Rescue Department EMT / Medic of the Year: Tech Alex Clark
* Company Officer of the Year: Captain Karen Torpey
Fort Belvoir Emergency Services
* Fire & Emergency Services Leader of the Year: Samantha Green
* Firefighter / Medic of the Year: Austin Oakley
* Firefighter of the Year: Roy Ellis
* Public Safety Dispatcher of the Year: Jonate Williams
Fort Belvoir Police Department
* Civilian Police Officer of the Year: Jessenia K. McElroy
* Investigator of the Year: Sergeant Michael Yannes II
* Military Police Officer of the Year: Sergeant Brandon Z. Soyer
* Civilian Police Supervisor Officer of the Year: Captain Tera Y. Henry
* Army Security Guard of the Year: Clair Dusart
* Army Security Supervisor of the Year: Jamal R. Tillman
Christensen thanked the evening’s sponsors, including Title Sponsor Inova Health Systems, with additional support from Presenting Sponsors BrightView Senior Living, LeMay & Company CPAs, Reworld, ServiceMaster National Capital Restoration, and Wegmans. Public Safety Champion sponsors included Alban Tires, Dominion Surveyors Inc., Fairy Bronze Mother, Hilton Springfield, Retirement Unlimited, Inc., and West Springfield Rotary Club.
Christensen wrapped up the night with heartfelt words: “These men and women have inspired me. I’m sure all of us are touched by their commitment and service.”
For upcoming Chamber events, visit www.mountvernonspringfield.com/events.