Fairfax County Police Officers Honored at 33rd Annual Valor Awards

A husband and wife were suffering from extremely large wounds on their bodies inflicted by a machete. Fairfax County police officer David Faulk knew the wife was losing consciousness so he started asking her questions about the attack.

She gave critical information that led to the arrest of three men who are now awaiting trial.

Officer Faulk and Officer David Popik, who had both responded to the "horrific" attack, were among 64 Fairfax County police and firemen, Vienna and Herndon police officers and the county Sheriff's Office honored for their selfless service Monday.

Nearly 700 police officers, firemen, sheriffs deputies and their families, businessmen and elected officials filled the grand ballroom of the McLean Hilton in Tysons Corner for the 33rd annual Valor Awards given by the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce.

Sixteen of the 42 police officers honored for their bravery are from the McLean District.

Larry Michaels, the voice of the Redskins, read one heart-stopping citation after another as the first responders, who usually work in anonymity, stepped forward in dress uniforms to receive their awards for putting their lives in danger to protect Fairfax County residents.

Thirty-one were honored for saving lives – including saving two of their own who nearly died after food blocked their breathing.

• Officer Steven Kaganowich saved a man who had collapsed while running.
• Five officers saved a motorcyclist who was driving recklessly then lost control, hit a parked car and was pinned under the car.
• Six firefighters rescued two canoers from the Pohick Bay Marina after their canoe capsized far from shore.

Others received Bronze and Silver Medals for their actions:

• Capt. Anthony Jackson of the fire department pulled a woman and two children from a burning car that was involved in a three-car accident.
• Deputy Sheriff  Mario Torres and his wife were on a cruise when he saw a man at a railing about to jump and holding a knife to his chest. After telling the crew who he was, Deputy Torres negotiated with the man for three hours finally talking him away from the railing.
• Police Officer Michael Mittiga answered a call from a doctor whose teenage patient was standing on a solid white line in a the middle of a busy highway. With cars passing, the officer managed to subdue the mentally disturbed youth.

You can read all the citations here.

Chuck Wortman, of Acacia Bank in Falls Church, said he came "for the opportunity to pay homage to our pubic servants who go above and beyond the call of duty and to support the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce." Wortman said he has lived in Fairfax for more than 50 years and "I have benefitted from everything this county has to offer and I'm truly thankful for it."

Capt. Steve Thompson, commander of the McLean District said, "It's the opportunity to recognize the valor and dedication of the members of the safety agencies of Fairfax County."

Lt. Mike McAllister, former deputy commander of the McLean District, who now works in the communications center, said: "It's nice for the family to attend to see the recognition they receive. I got one (a Bronze Medal) in 1995 and my mom came."

Heidi and Rachel Jenkins of Alexandria came to see their dad, Capt. Larry Jenkins of the fire department, receive a bronze medal.

Capt. Jenkins and his crew were at an extensive house fire  where two people were inside the house. "With little regard for their own safety they deployed into the first floor and the basement. . . (The) made it only 15 feet inside the basement when the kitchen floor collapsed leaving them trapped in the burning basement."

Capt. Jenkins and four of his colleagues were honored for their actions that day that saved their colleagues.

"I'm proud of my father," said Heidi. "When we were young he never told us about the dangerous calls. He's a role model to look up to."

Rachel: "It's nice to see what he does. He tells us about it but he's always very humble." They didn't understand the consequences of this fire until the calls started coming about the award, she said.

Capt. Jenkins retired a year ago, shortly after the fire, Heidi said.

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