Manassas Club Honors Heroes
by John Beere
The Kiwanis Club of Manassas hosted its 13th annual Heroes Appreciation Night on November 19th, recognizing outstanding personnel in law enforcement and fire and rescue.
In his opening address John Beere told the gathering "Those people we are recognizing tonight add a whole new layer to the meaning of what a hero is. These folks put their lives on the line every day to make sure that the rest of us are safe. There's no possible way we could show our true appreciation for all they do. This evening's program is a meager attempt to do that."
The recipients were:
- Sgt. Amanda Thompson with the Prince William Sheriff's Office, who was cited for creating a resource guide that can be used by county residents faced with eviction or foreclosure.
- Senior Police Officer Tara L. Petty, who has completed an eight-week course of study given by the Virginia Division of Forensic and has used her knowledge in solving crimes.
- Prince William Police Officer Heath Oyler was cited for pulling a baby girl from a burning car in which the driver who was sought by police wrecked and tried to run away.
- Prince William County Fire and Rescue Capt. Rob Clemons was recognized for compiling a report on the death of a fellow firefighter. The findings were sent to other departments across the country in hopes of preventing a similar tragedy.
- Trooper Joshua D. Smith was honored for taking his investigations to the next level and not taking the easy path out when making an arrest.
- Thomas Oliver with the Manassas Park Fire and Rescue received praise for his work with child passenger safety and for remodeling the much-needed fire station kitchen.
- Detective Regan Miller of the City of Manassas Park Police Department got his certificate for extra effort in solving crimes, with some cases involving children being victims of despicable acts.
- The Manassas City Fire and Rescue Department new Ceremonial Honor Guard was also recognized. The members are Robert Halsall, Richard Boyd, Nichole Collins, Matthew Wilson, Stephen Schmid, Jason Heatwole, Brian Placon and William Hayes.
John Beer on far left and President Jen Weigel is at far right with recipients.
