3 Central Virginia deputies receive Valor Awards for heroism

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Three Central Virginia sheriff's deputies were among those who received Valor Awards from the Virginia Sheriff's Association (VSA) during its 2025 VSA Annual Conference on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, Sept. 17, the VSA held its VSA Annual Conference at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront Marriott. During this conference, the association handed out its 2025 VSA Awards -- including the award for the 2025 Deputy Sheriff of the Year and Dispatchers of the Year, as well as several Valor Awards.

“Each year, the VSA Awards give us the opportunity to shine a light on the extraordinary acts of service happening in every corner of the Commonwealth," said John W. Jones, VSA's executive director, in a press release. "This year's recipients represent the very best of law enforcement, not only for their skill and bravery but for the compassion and integrity they bring to the job. We are proud to honor them and we thank them for the example they set.”

More than a dozen people received awards on Wednesday. Among them were three Central Virginia sheriff's deputies.

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This included deputies Eddie Daw and Norman Sibley of the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office, as well as Deputy Howard Phillips of the Lunenburg County Sheriff's Office. All three received Valor Awards.

Daw was recognized for his actions when responding to a shooting that put a person in the hospital. According to the VSA, Daw knew that the suspect in this shooting was "on his way to the hospital to finish the job." Daw ultimately rammed the suspect's vehicle with his patrol car and, when the suspect exited the vehicle with a gun in his hand, Daw shot him.

Sibley was recognized for rescuing a driver who was trapped in a car after it crashed. Per the VSA, after noticing the car was smoking and about to catch fire, Sibley broke its window and pulled the driver free "in the nick of time."

Phillips' story of heroism is one 8News previously shared. He and another deputy arrived at the scene of a February house fire before en route firefighters. Phillips crawled through the thick smoke to try and save a bedridden person who was stuck inside. Though he initially had to back out to reassess his approach, Phillips ultimately got inside through a window and rescued the person.

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The other individuals honored Wednesday are as follows:

• 2025 Deputy Sheriff of the Year Award: Master Deputy Sheriff Christopher Meyer, Fauquier County Sheriff's Office
• 2025 Dispatchers of the Year Award: Kayleigh Jackson, Jonna Tuell and Tommie Wiles, Smyth County Sheriff's Office
• 2025 Valor Awards:
  • Lt. Joey Adams, Halifax County Sheriff's Office
  • Sgt. Shad Hudson, City of Lynchburg Sheriff's Office
  • Deputies Michael Fedorchuk, Michael Lester and Hunter Reedy (posthumously), Smyth County Sheriff's Office
  • Captain Daniel Harris, Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office

"This year’s honorees remind us of the strength of character and deep sense of duty that define our profession," said Accomack County Sheriff W. Todd Wessells, who chairs the VSA Awards committee, in the release. "Their stories inspire all of us in law enforcement to continue striving for excellence in service to our communities.”