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RESTON, VIRGINIA – On March 30th, 2023, the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce held the 45th Annual Valor Awards to recognize the brave men and women who serve as police officers, firefighters, and first responders. MillerMusmar CPAs was proud to join the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce as an executive sponsor of this event.

The Valor Awards ceremony was a resounding success, with a large turnout of community members and local officials coming together to celebrate and honor the heroic actions of these courageous individuals. The event was held at Hyatt Regency Reston and featured speeches from local dignitaries and officials, as well as moving tributes to the honorees.

Several individuals were recognized for their exceptional bravery and service, including police officers who risked their lives to apprehend dangerous criminals and first responders who worked tirelessly to save lives during emergencies. Firefighters were also recognized for their dedication and bravery in fighting fires and rescuing people from dangerous situations.

MillerMusmar CPAs was honored to be a part of this event, highlighting the importance of public service and the selflessness of those serving the community. As an executive sponsor, MillerMusmar CPAs recognizes the importance of supporting and celebrating these brave men and women who work tirelessly to keep our community safe.

Joey Musmar, Founder of and Managing Partner MillerMusmar CPAs, Executive Sponsor of the 2023 Valor Awards, was honored to present the 2023 Silver Medal of Valor to: Fairfax County Police Officer First Class Dean Rocco and Sergeant Matthew Duffy.

These officers responded to a call to a commercial address in Reston where a disgruntled former employee had arrived.  A protective order had been in place barring the subject from being within a mile of the building due to previous occasions in which he showed up at the facility with a firearm and a can of gasoline. On this occasion, the subject again arrived with a can of gasoline, which he proceeded to pour on himself before walking to the building.  PFC Rocco and Sgt. Duffy positioned their vehicles to contain the subject.  Then, putting aside concerns for their own safety, they were able to restrain the subject as he was attempting to strike a lighter. Their valorous actions protected community members from injury and saved the life of the subject.

 Joey was privileged to present the “2023 Silver Medal of Valor” to Fairfax County Master Police:

• Officer J. Kevin Clarke and K9 Logan
• Police Officer First Class Jared Reeves
• Master Police Officer Nathan Vanhusen
• Police Officer First Class Anthony Quarto
• Pilot Matthew Hobbs

Likewise to the Vienna Police Department:

• Police Officer First Class Emily Lichtenberg
•  Police Officer First Class Alex Murray

This award was a shining example of coordination between multiple departments in the tracking of an armed suspect.  The incident began with reports of a shooting at the Vienna headquarters of the Navy Federal Credit Union.  The suspect had shot his victim while the two were arguing in a vehicle and then left the scene in an unknown direction of travel.  Officers Clarke, with K9 Logan, and Reeves were brought in to assist with perimeter containment.  Shortly thereafter, the officers of Fairfax One – Vanhusen, Quarto, and Hobbs – began to provide air support.

Coordination between Fairfax One and the officers and canine on the ground resulted in locating the suspect in an area just north of a portion of the WO&D Trail with confirmation that he was armed.  Through sound tactical communication between all parties, the officers were able to catch the suspect off guard and safely bring him to custody.  A significant amount of cash, drugs, and a fully loaded handgun were recovered.

Master Police Officer Nathan Vanhusen, Police Officer First Class Anthony Quarto, and Pilot Matthew Hobbs were recognized with the 2023 Bronze Medal of Valor.

Fairfax County Master Police Officer J. Kevin Clarke and K9 Logan, Police Officer First Class Jared Reeves, Vienna Police Department Police Officer First Class Emily Lichtenberg, and Police Officer First Class Alex Murray were recognized with the 2023 Silver Medal of Valor.

MillerMusmar was also proud to introduce the  Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Jeffrey McKay, to present our last award of the day.

Chairman McKay called to the stage: the following members of the Fairfax County Police Department:

• Second Lieutenant Shannon Massey
• Master Police Officer Lance Guckenberger,
• Master Police Officer Brian Walley
• Master Police Officer Michael Morris
• Police Officer First Class Matthew Grubb
• Sergeant Carolina Oliver
• Police Officer First Class Randy Bronte-Tinkew

“These officers responded to a call in McLean by a victim who was shot in the face by his roommate.  The victim had locked himself in a bedroom, but his assailant was attempting to break in and do more harm.  Upon arrival, these officers began their emergency entry plans to rescue the trapped hostage.  MPO Guckenberger and PFC Grubb were caught in an exchange of gunfire in the apartment’s small hallway just moments after gaining entry, with PFC Grubb wounded by the suspect’s gunfire.  After officers were able to extract the victim safely, they deployed a robot to locate the suspect and, fortunately, talk him into surrendering into custody without further incident.

For these brave actions in protecting the life of an injured citizen and successfully apprehending a violent suspect, Second Lieutenant Shannon Massey, Master Police Officer Brian Walley, Master Police Officer Michael Morris, Sergeant Carolina Oliver, and Police Officer First Class Randy Bronte-Tinkew. Were awarded the 2023 Silver Medal of Valor

For their heroic actions in the face of extreme personal risk, Master Police Officer Lance Guckenberger and Police Officer First Class Matthew Grubb were honored with the highest honor – a 2023 Gold Medal of Valor.

The 45th Annual Valor Awards was a reminder of the courage and dedication of those who serve our community. MillerMusmar CPAs look forward to continuing to support this important event in the years to come. Congratulations to all the honorees. Thank you also to ALL of our first responders for the work you do day in and day out to keep our community safe. Our debt to you – and your families – is immeasurable.