Leesburg, VA (April 22, 2026) – Fifteen employees from the Leesburg Police and Utilities departments were honored at the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce’s annual Valor Awards, held April 21 at The National Conference  Center.

The awards recognize the community’s real-life heroes, from members of the public safety community to everyday heroic citizens.

The Leesburg Police Department was recognized in two Unit Citations. Lt. Justin Schumer, Sgt. Matt Wolfe, Master Police Officer Dan Troxell, Police Officer First Class Gabriela Jimenez, Officer Connor Faron, Officer Melvin Shannon, and Officer Rebecca Sosa-Orellana were recognized for their coordinated actions responding to a suicidal subject on April 3, 2025. Officers secured the scene of the incident and established a safety perimeter. Through calm communication and coordinated teamwork, the subject agreed to exit the residence unarmed and was transported for an emergency mental health evaluation. Officer Troxell also received a Lifesaving Award for his response to this incident.

The second incident for which the Police Department received a Unit Citation was for response to a mental health incident at a local lodging establishment on February 15, 2025. Schumer, Lt. Edward Martin, Special Police Officer James Sullivan, Special Police Officer Todd Cockersham, Officer Jesse Ault, Officer Dilpinder Chahal, and Officer Alexander Noel were recognized for their participation in on-scene coordination and establishing a safety perimeter to protect the public and surrounding personnel. The subject was able to be taken into custody without injury to receive help under an Emergency Custody Order. Lt. Martin also received a Lifesaving Award for his role in the incident.

“The Leesburg Police Department is proud to recognize our officers honored at this year’s Valor Awards,” said Leesburg Police Chief Thea Pirnat. “Their courage and professionalism reflect our commitment to the community. With 94% of our personnel trained in Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), our officers are also prepared to respond with compassion and care when it matters most.”

Two Utilities Department employees, Utility Systems Crew Leader Joshua Merriman and Utility Systems Technician Jacob Catrow, were recognized for their role in a April 10, 2025, emergency response for a construction worker trapped in a collapsed trench. Merriman and Catrow responded in the Town’s vacuum truck, which allows for precise, low-impact soil removal, helping first responders safely access victims while reducing the risk of further collapse. The assistance of the vacuum truck allowed responding fire and rescue personnel to more rapidly remove the soil around the trapped victim.

“I am extremely proud of Joshua and Jacob for their recognition at the Valor Awards,” stated Utilities Director Amy Wyks. “This joint effort between our Town staff and members of Loudoun Fire-Rescue, including prior training exercises we have participated in, highlights our ongoing commitment to safety, preparedness, and strong partnership with first responders in protecting the community.”

Pictured left to right in top photo: (First Row) Police Officer First Class Gabriela Jimenez, Sgt. Matthew Wolfe, Capt. Robert Spano, Chief of Police Thea Pirnat, Lt. Justin Schumer, Officer Alexander Noel, Officer Jesse Ault (Second Row) Maj. David Smith, Officer Dilpinder Chahal, Master Police Officer Dan Troxell, Officer Melvin Shannon, Special Police Officer James Sullivan, Officer Connor Faron, Capt. Bradley Schultz

Pictured left to right in bottom photo: Jacob Catrow, Joshua Merriman in front of the vacuum truck

Media Contact: 
Kara Rodriguez, Public Information Officer 
pio@leesburgva.gov Ÿ 703-669-1425

Michele Bowman, Leesburg Police Department Public Information Officer 
mbowman@leesburgva.gov  Ÿ 703-771-6509