The Retail Merchants Association (RMA) held the 31st Annual Valor Awards at the Greater Richmond Convention Center after forgoing the ceremony last year due to the pandemic. The event highlights the work of first responders in the Richmond region who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Each year RMA accepts nominations from agencies and departments across the region.
Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards are presented to deserving men and women serving the community and putting themselves in harm’s way. Since 1989, the Valor Awards has given the RMA team, its members, and the Greater Richmond community an opportunity to honor first responders and their acts of valor.
This year RMA accepted nominations for acts that occurred in 2020 and 2021 and 42 people were honored through 19 incidents that took place. That included former and current staff members of the Richmond Ambulance Authority. 2021 winners included Lieutenant Pete MacKerlich, who was given the silver Valor Award, Paramedic Adam Godwin and EMT Kathryn Duren, who were recognized with bronze Valor Awards. 2020 winners included former Paramedic Daniel Miller and former EMT Peter Strickland, who received bronze Valor Awards.
