George Washington Chapter Honors Modern Patriots

report by George Washington Chapter President Paul Walden

Left to right: John Blair, Public Service Awards Chair; Paul Walden, George Washington Chapter President; Deputies Runquist, Juarez, Bearden, Lee, and Neckles.

     In honor and recognition of the men and women of the City of Alexandria, VA Sheriff's Department, the George Washington Chapter of the Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution (VASSAR), on January 14, 2017 recognized the heroic acts and service of five Alexandria Sheriff Deputies.  Through their immediate actions the lives of two individuals were saved.
     As a result of quick thinking and their actions, Sheriff Deputies Myma Juarez, Manuel Lee, Devon Neckles and Cinie Bearden saved the life of a prisoner attempting to commit suicide in the city jail.  The Deputies discovered and recognized the urgent situation, took appropriate action acting as a team and called for medical assistance to stabilize the individual.
     Also, while dining at a local restaurant off-duty Sheriff Deputy Joseph Runquist, saved the life of a woman choking on her food.  Trained as a first-responder, Deputy Runquist used the Heimlich maneuver to clear the food and stayed with the women until normal breathing returned.
     In recognition of these lifesaving actions, the George Washington Chapter was honored to bestow the Chapter’s Public Service Award to each Alexandria Sheriff Deputy at a ceremony and luncheon at the Belle Haven Country Club in Alexandria, VA.