Fredericksburg

First Responders, Citizens Celebrated for Acts of Heroism in Fredericksburg

By Uriah Kiser
Major Shawn Kimmitz of the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his 31 years of exemplary service, leadership, and innovation in law enforcement and community engagement. His visionary approach to public communication and steadfast commitment set a high standard for future generations.

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The folks at the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber just wrapped up their annual First Responders Appreciation Breakfast, and it was a big one. Held August 13 at the Fredericksburg Convention Center, the event spotlighted local heroes across law enforcement, fire, and EMS for their life-saving efforts and long-term service.

From snowy highway rescues to swift water saves and daring house fire rescues by everyday citizens, the awards covered a wide range of heroic acts. Citizen Valor Awards went to locals who jumped in to help during life-threatening situations, while police officers and EMTs were recognized for bravery, teamwork, and quick action in high-stakes emergencies.

Major Shawn Kimmitz of the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office took home the Lifetime Achievement Award after 31 years of dedicated service. And Christopher Lindsay, Chief Operating Officer of the Virginia Department of Health, delivered a keynote speech that tied together public safety and public health in a powerful way.

If you missed it, the full list of awards—and the stories behind them—are below.

Here’s the full press release:

Fredericksburg Regional Chamber’s First Responder Appreciation Breakfast Celebrate Local Heroes and Lifetime Achievements

Fredericksburg, VA — The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce proudly recognized the extraordinary dedication and bravery of local law enforcement, fire, and EMS professionals during the annual First Responders Appreciation Breakfast, held the morning of August 13th at the Fredericksburg Convention Center. The event honored recipients in the following categories: Life Saving Award, Unit Citation Award, and Bronze Medal of Valor — each representing the highest levels of courage, skill, and teamwork in the line of duty.

The ceremony was attended by Dr. Karen Shelton, State Health Commissioner of Virginia, and Christopher Lindsay, Chief Operating Officer of the Virginia Department of Health.
Dr. Shelton, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and former public health district director, now leads the Virginia Department of Health in its mission to protect and promote the health of all Virginians. Her work has spanned addressing maternal and child health, behavioral health challenges, and the fentanyl crisis. Christopher Lindsay, a lifelong Virginian with a strong background in healthcare administration, has played a pivotal role in advancing public health initiatives and leading critical reforms in the Office of Emergency Medical Services.

Lindsay delivered the keynote address, highlighting the essential role of first responders in safeguarding community health and well-being, and underscoring the deep partnership between public safety and public health agencies.

Citizen Valor Awards were presented to Shynesha Baylor and De’Andre Minor for their quick action saving a man in distress, and to Austin Scott for risking his life to rescue a neighbor from a house fire.

Firefighter and EMS honors included the Stafford Swift Water Rescue Team’s life-saving river rescue, and Spotsylvania County Fire & Rescue’s heroic extrication on Interstate 95. Additional Life Saving Awards highlighted critical interventions by emergency medical teams in traumatic injuries and pediatric emergencies.

The Heroism Awards celebrated the Fredericksburg City Police Department’s B-Platoon Night Shift for a dramatic rescue on a snowy overpass, and Deputies Chasity Williams-Grooms and Christian Barahona for intervening in a dangerous machete attack outside the courthouse.

Special recognition went to law enforcement professionals including Sergeant Robert Mele for leadership in traffic safety, Public Health Specialist Kim Orr for community health innovations, and detectives whose skillful investigative work brought justice in complex and cold cases.

The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon Major Shawn Kimmitz of the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, honoring over 31 years of dedicated service, leadership excellence, and groundbreaking community outreach.

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Shynesha Baylor and De’Andre Minor were recognized for their quick thinking and lifesaving actions when they came to the aid of a man who collapsed during a morning run. Their vigilance and swift response directly saved a life, demonstrating the power of community care and awareness. (Baylor and Minor were unable to attend this event) Austin Scott, a volunteer firefighter, was honored after risking his life to extinguish a fire engulfing a neighbor with limited mobility. His decisive actions prevented a tragedy and exemplify the true spirit of heroism.

 

The Stafford Swift Water Rescue Team showcased expert teamwork and bravery during a high-risk rescue of nine stranded victims in the Rappahannock River. Battling extreme conditions, they ensured everyone was safely brought to shore.

 

Spotsylvania County Fire & Rescue personnel received the Unit Citation Award for their extraordinary extrication of a critically trapped tractor trailer driver on Interstate 95. Their coordinated efforts under challenging circumstances saved a life and demonstrated the power of collaboration.

 

The Spotsylvania County Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Management Team was honored for their rapid and coordinated response to a traumatic head injury, ensuring a critically injured patient received timely care and survived to enjoy life with family again.

 

Spotsylvania County Volunteer Firefighters and EMS personnel were recognized for their relentless CPR and advanced life support that revived an unresponsive patient, highlighting the importance of seamless teamwork.

 

Fredericksburg Fire Department and Police personnel received a Unit Lifesaving Award for saving the life of a choking 1-year-old tracheostomy patient through expert CPR, airway management, and teamwork across multiple agencies.

 

For those showing exceptional courage and composure in dangerous situations. The B-Platoon Night Shift of the Fredericksburg City Police Department was awarded the Heroism Unit Award for safely talking down a distraught man from the Plank Road overpass during a snowstorm. Their compassion and tactical skill turned a dangerous moment into a story of hope.

 

Deputies Chasity Williams-Grooms and Christian Barahona were awarded the Heroism Silver Award for their courageous intervention in a violent machete attack outside the courthouse, protecting bystanders and bringing the suspect into custody without further harm.

 

Sergeant Robert Mele was recognized for exceptional leadership and dedication in traffic enforcement, demonstrating how proactive policing improves safety for all.

 

Kim Orr, Public Health Specialist, earned acclaim for her innovative efforts connecting vulnerable residents to lifesaving resources, reducing emergencies, and supporting community wellness.

 

Master Detective Hanrahan was honored for his advanced forensic expertise that significantly impacted major homicide investigations, including quickly locating a missing person in a critical moment.

 

Detective Ralston and Assistant Commonwealth Attorney Gary Godman were recognized for their compassionate and thorough investigation and prosecution of a difficult child sexual assault case, securing a life sentence for the offender.

 

Detective David K. Wood was celebrated for his exceptional work solving a 40-year-old cold case murder using groundbreaking forensic genealogy, bringing closure and justice decades later.

 

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  • I'm the Founder and Publisher of Potomac Local News. Raised in Woodbridge, I'm now raising my family in Northern Virginia and care deeply about our community. If you're not getting our FREE email newsletter, you are missing out. Subscribe Now!

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