Public safety professionals from across Gwinnett received much deserved praise at today’s Gwinnett Chamber Valor Awards, presented by Mobile Communications of Gwinnett, Inc. and Motorola Solutions, Inc.
“Mobile Communications of Gwinnett is a proud supporter of the Valor Awards because of the recognition this program gives to men and women who, without hesitation, put their lives on the line for us, our homes and our businesses,” said Cathy Nichols, Chief Business Development Officer, Mobile Communications of Gwinnett. “The Valor Awards provides the community the opportunity to thank our public safety professionals for their ultimate sacrifice allowing us to live the wonderful life that we have in Gwinnett County.”
Awards were given to the individuals who have performed heroic and extraordinary acts to protect and serve the citizens of Gwinnett.
Gwinnett Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ Lieutenant John Wharton was awarded the highest honor for bravery and heroism, the Medal of Valor. The award is given in cases where a public safety official knowingly placed her or her life in peril or serious bodily harm while saving or attempting to save the lives of others.
 The following public safety professionals were honored in the program’s subsequent award categories:
- The Medal of Merit, which honors an outstanding program or person in the community that goes above and beyond, both on and off the job, was given to Lieutenant Roy Smith, with the Gwinnett County Police Department.
- Duluth Police Department’s Officer Byung Kang received the Lifesaving Award. This award honors a public safety official for acts taken in a life-threatening situation where an individual’s life is in jeopardy, either medically or physically.
The following Public Safety Awards were bestowed for performing a job with exceptional skill, expertise, innovation and results:
- Gwinnett County Gang Task Force (Gwinnett County Police Department and Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office) was named the Unit of the Year.
- Corporal Jon Doherty, with the Gwinnett County Police Department, was named the Public Safety Person of the Year.
- Chief Randy Belcher, with the Duluth Police Department, received the Leadership Award.
“It is an honor for Motorola Solutions to sponsor the Gwinnett Valor Awards,” said Glenn Hendry, Senior Account Manager, Motorola Solutions, Inc. “As members of this community, we are proud to recognize the men and women of public safety who go above and beyond to keep us safe.”
For more information about the Valor Awards, visit valorawards.com.
