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Wednesday saw the Suffolk Police Department join their fellow Hampton Roads law enforcement in being recognized for their service.

The region’s police and fire departments gathered for the Hampton Roads Chamber 2024 Valor Awards held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center on Wednesday, July 24. Many of Hampton Roads’ finest in law enforcement took home awards in honor of their bravery and sacrifice. Senior Police Officer Kristi Gaines, Investigator Nicholas Smith and Sgt. Jason Lyons of the Suffolk Police Department’s Neighborhood Enforcement Team were honored with the Investigative Merit Award during the ceremony. 

Both Smith and Gaines had a chance to share their thoughts following their wins. Smith expressed what it meant to be honored with the award.

“The meaning of obtaining this award is not necessarily just about what I did, but it’s about what we as a department did and how the community supported us making the decisions in doing the investigations we do,” Smith said.

Gaines followed, noting that recognition for hard work is “always a good thing.”

“I never expected to receive something like this for what we were doing,” Gaines said. “I just thought we were having a good time doing our jobs and making a difference in the community. So yeah, I just think this was really cool.”

The Valor Awards are hosted annually by the Hampton Roads Chamber to honor the exceptional merit and bravery of the region’s service men and women.

Other winners included:

Community Heroes Award: Police Chaplains Geraldine Ford, Willie Bamberg, Brian Boyd, Richard Crouch, Dennis Hollowell and Retired Police Chaplain Stephen Hassell of the Portsmouth Police Chaplains Unit.

Lifesaving Award: Officers Austin McDonald and Cameron Murphy of Virginia Beach Police.

Lifesaving Award: Master Firefighter Christine Barakey, Capt. Matthew Cooley, Master FireFighter Timothy Heard, Retired Capt. Rob Valentine and Master FireFighter Kevin Wirth of the Virginia Beach Fire.

Lifesaving Award: Officers Brandon Hill and Joseph Papa of Portsmouth Police.

Outstanding Citizen Award: Capt. Nick Filion and Capt. Joel Otroba of the Virginia Pilots Association.

Valor Award: Firefighter Johnathan Best, Lt. Kyle Billips, Firefighter Ted Locklear, Firefighter Brian Para and Lt. Charles Tilghman.

Valor Award: Sgt. Daryl Jarvis of Norfolk Police.

Valor Award: Officer Andrew Bevill IV of Virginia Beach Police.