Honoring Our First Responders
Bergton Volunteer Fire Department
18140 Crab Run Road
Bergton, VA 22811 (540) 852-3388
Bridgewater Police Department
201 Green Street
Bridgewater, VA 22812 (540) 828-2611
police@bridgewater.town
Members:
Chief Phillip Read, 15 years
Sgt. Lee Ann Zimmerman, 25 years
Sgt. Aaron Will, 20 years
Sgt. Spencer Morrison, 15 years
Officer Matthew Papotnik, 9 years
Officer Anthony Bess, 6 years
Officer Matthew Harpine, 6 years
Officer Wesley Campbell, 19 years
Officer Robert Girard, 21 years
Officer Phillip Snyder, 13 years
Bridgewater Volunteer
10 Volunteer Drive
Bridgewater, VA 22812 (540) 828-3395
Members:
Chief Joshua Shank
Deputy Chief Colby Knicely Captain William Harrison
Chief’s Aide Vincent Whitmore
President John Beery
Karen Grady Treasurer Anthony Beery
Jerry Acker
Corey Armentrout
Nick Astrab
Thomas Bates
Cliff Bayne
Teresa Bayne
Chazz Beaver
John Beery
Joesph Bennett
Christopher Bixby
Zach Blanton
Dean Botkin
Lou Botkin
Billy Callender
Will Callender
Sam Caracofe
Ty Carter
BJ Clark
Rod Cline
Pamela Cline
John Coaker
Linnette Coaker
Doug Coffman
Ashley Craun
Charlie Craun
Vickie Craun
Ike Diehl
Ashton Dove
Danny Driver
Gordon Driver
Ryan Eagle
Bill Eckard
Craig Eckard
Keli Lam Feldmeier
Peter Fox
Don Fulton
Gereald Fulton
Dan Funkhouser
Tom Gangwer
David Gayhart
Griff Gilkerson
Todd Glendye
Karen Grady
Lenford Grady
Koby Greene
Melvin Groah
Brett Hartt
Cole Hart
Robert Healy
Scott Heatwole
Ira Helmick
Rodney Hilderbrand
Dinnis Hill
Dale Hollen
Erica Hooker
David Huddle
Jeanette Huffman Jenkins
Jake Harrison
Johnathan Harrison
William Harrison
Nelson Pete Huffman
John R. Humes
John W. Humes Jr.
Rodger Jorgleman
JW Key
Seth Kiser
Colby Knicely
Donnie Knicely
James Knicely
Ronnie Knicley
Freddie Knicley
William Kyger Jr.
David Lough
Stephen Lough
Dave Martin
Debbie Martin
Doug Martin
Glen Martin
Jerry Martin
Brent Martin
Wendy Martin
Kenny Martin
Courtney Martini
Robert Michael
Brad Miller
Monk Miller
Landon Miller
Yvonne Miller
Daniel Mischenko
Danny Moyers
Andrew Murphy
Ragueli Myiz (Rocky)
Kevin Nelson
Martha Neuganbaurer
Cody Outten
David Patterson
Mike Peake
Derek Pence
Ronnie Pence
Bri Petit
Kim Petit
Travis Petit
Carolyn Propst
Kevin Puffenbarger
Barry Pugh
Jarod Rambo
Carl Rhodes
Carlton Rhodes
Dan Rhodes
Jeff Rhodes
Shawn Rhodes
Danny Ritchie
Taylor Roby
Phil Rohrer
Stanley Rohrer
Gary Ruleman
John Sellers Jr.
Caleb Seward
Ronald Shanzholzer
Benjamin Shank
Joshua Shank
Timothy Shank
Clay Shifflett
Kevin Shifflett
Scott Shifflett
Bob Shifflett
Joe Showalter
Wilson Showalter
Quentin Showalter
Melanie Shull
John Sellers Jr.
Ryan Spitler
Ed Stiefvater
Robbie Symons
Don Usry
Jeffery Vandevander
FIRST RESPONDERS
Eber Wenger
Jared Wenger
Shawn Wenger
Patty Whitmer
Wayne Whitmore
Joel Will
Karen Will
Kenny Will
Michael Williams
Dean Witmer
Mary Witmer
Lori Witmer
Board members
Taylor Roby
Travis Petit
Stanley Rohrer
Benjamin Aldrich
Steam and Gas Representative
Rod Cline
Broadway Police Department
113 South Central Street
Broadway, VA 22815 (540) 896-1174
Fax: (540) 896-2011
Members:
Chief Doug Miller
Corporal/K9 handler Joe Ritchie
K-9, Diablo
Officer Jason Fulk
Officer Kolby Walters
Officer Carsen Frey
Broadway Volunteer Fire Department
117 North Central Street (P.O. Box 271)
Broadway, VA 22815 (540) 896-5101
Officers
Chief Jeff Lohr
Assistant Chief Mike Seekford
Captain Tyler Brown
1st Lieutenant Joe Alger
2nd Lieutenant Dennis Albertson
3rd Lieutenant Steph Showalter
Volunteers
Dennis Albertson
Fiona Albertson
Joe Alger
Trey Atwood
Candace Austin
Adam Beahm
Tyler Brown
Woody Brown
Crystal Collins
Randy Collins
Aaron Conard
Allen Delawder
David Emswiler
Zack Emswiler
David Freed
Kenton Fulk
Jason Funkhouser
Wes Hardy
Travis Hilliard
Steph Showalter
Jim Junkins
Brian Keplinger
Charity Keller
Jonathan Keller
Noah Keller
Tonya Keller
Jack Lohr
Jeff Lohr
Josh Lohr
Dan Marple
Colby Mongold
Trevor Nelson
Ashley Palmer
Randy Palmer
Jody Quesenberry
Jared Quesenberry
Brian Ritchie
Jeff Ritchie
Dwayne Runion
Kevin See
Mike Seekford
Todd Spitzer
Tammy Spitzer
Pat Trimble
J.W. Tusing
Dustin Whetzel
Broadway Emergency Squad
Broadway Station (Rescue 50)
525 South Main Street
Broadway, VA 22815 (540) 896-7995
See RESPONDERS, Page 6
Four Harrisonburg police officers receive 2024 Valor Awards
Four officers from the Harrisonburg Police Department were honored with an award from the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police for their valor on Aug. 27.
Sgt. Brian Tusing, Officer John Denneny, Officer Alaina McWhorter, and Officer Rose Mary Nuno received the 2024 Award for Valor from VACP for their actions in responding to an incident on May 6, 2023.
The four officers responded to a report of a domestic domestic disturbance involving a firearm and abduction of a woman, according to the release. An armed suspect had forced a woman into his vehicle and fled, according to the release. The officers pursued the suspect to Liberty Street, where they were able to stop his vehicle. As Tusing breached the driver’s side window, the suspect opened fire
Erin Schrad
Four HPD officers — Sgt. Brian Tusing, Officer John Denneny, Officer Alaina McWhorter and Officer Rose Mary Nuno — were recently honored with the 2024 Award for Valor. Above, from left to right, is Chief Craig Branch, 2023-24 VACP President; Sgt. Brian Tusing; Officer John Denneny; Lt. John Hancock; Interim Chief Todd Miller; Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
Clover Hill Volunteer Fire and Rescue
2100 Clover Hill Road Dayton, VA 22821 (540) 879-9930
Dayton Police Department
125 Eastview Street Dayton, VA 22821 (540) 879-2126
Chief Justin Trout, 19 years
Lt. Hooker, 16 years
MPO Chris Earman, 22 years
MPO Brian Cacciapaglia, 8 years
MPO Jeremy Hevener, 12 years
MPO Dean Roadcap, 7 years
Elkton Police Department
173 W. Spottswood Avenue
Elkton, VA 22827 (540) 298-9441
Full-time
Chief Mike King
Sgt. Ryan Insana
Cpl. Charles Roberts Off. Alan Johnson Off. Aaron Meek Off. Meghan Mugrage
Part time Off. Eric Baker Off. Matthew Elmore Off. Aaron Dean Off. Laronn Wharwood Off. Lamarr Wharwood
Elkton Emergency Squad
20871 Blue and Gold Drive
Elkton, VA 22827 (540) 298-9993
Elkton Volunteer Fire Department
20871 Blue and Gold Drive
Elkton, VA 22827 (540) 405-0006
Grottoes Police Department
601 Dogwood Avenue
Grottoes, VA 24441 (540) 249-5707
Grottoes Volunteer Fire Department
109 Third Street
Grottoes, VA 24441 (540) 249-5911
Grottoesfire@gmail.com
Grottoes Volunteer Rescue
805 Augusta Avenue
Grottoes, VA 2441
Harrisonburg Fire Department
101 North Main Street
Harrisonburg, VA 22802 (540) 432-7703
Administration
Fire Chief Matthew Tobia
Deputy Chief of Operations Benjamin Zimmerman
Deputy Chief of Support Services
Jody Quesenberry
Fire Administrative Officer Paul Helmuth
Emergency Management Generalist Jamison Ryder
Deputy Fire Marshal Mike Armstrong
Fire Prevention Captain Luke Walker
Emergency Medical Services Officer Travis Karicofe
Training Officer Hunter Desper
Office Manager Mandy Waybright
Administrative Specialist Kim Smith
Fire Inspector Keith Link
CRR Education Supervisor Erin Stehle
Systems Analyst Jordan Lambert
Community Paramedic Heather Stempien
Logistics Technician Andrea Mullens
A Shift
Battalion Chief Zeb Lilly
Captain Justin Knighten
Captain Matt Bauserman
Lieutenant Trevor Nelson
Lieutenant Brandon Dyer
Lieutenant Josh Lohr
Lieutenant Eric Higgs
Master Firefighter Jeff Pitsenbarger
Master Firefighter Chad Smith
Master Firefighter Roy Garber
Master Firefighter Tyler Burgoyne
on the officers.
When the suspect was distracted by the officers’ returning fire, McWhorter and Nuno were able to get the victim to safety, ultimately saving her life, according to the release. The suspect then opened direct fire on Denneny, prompting all four officers to return fire, striking the suspect. No officers were injured in the encounter.
Although the suspect had just fired on them, the officers immediately began rendering medical aid, saving his life. The victim also escaped the incident without injury.
The officers’ ability to think quickly and work together under pressure to save lives earned them
recognition from VACP. HPD Chief Interim Todd Miller said they set an example that every HPD officer should strive to follow.
“Their adept handling of the situation displayed their quick thinking, training, and professionalism under extreme pressure,” Miller said in the release. “Tusing, Denneny, McWhorter and Nuno showed an unwavering commitment to community safety and security through their selfless acts of service, just as HPD officers strive to do every day. Their actions on May 6, 2023, and every day show their commitment to Harrisonburg and protecting and serving its community members. We are immensely proud of our officers and thankful to the VACP for recognizing their hard work.”
Master Firefighter Glenn Beathe
Firefighter Sam Morell
Master Firefighter Brett Biddle
Master Firefighter Rodney Eagle
Firefighter Emily Walter
Firefighter Ryan Eagle
Firefighter Jack VanOrden
Firefighter Joshua Woughter
Firefighter Eric Breeden
Firefighter Maggie Lanham
Firefighter Michael Thompson
Firefighter Chris Lomelin
Firefighter Greg Kirtley
Firefighter Grant Clark
Firefighter Trey Price
Firefighter Adam Ware
B Shift
Battalion Chief Larry Werner
Captain Joe Weaver
Captain Larry Bennington
Lieutenant Wesley Meadows
Lieutenant Jared Quesenberry
Lieutenant Robert Hilley
Lieutenant Joel Bradley
Master Firefighter Daren Showalter
Master Firefighter Alan Wampler
Master Firefighter Chase Coffey
Master Firefighter Drew Brady
Master Firefighter Jeremey Hol-
land
Firefighter Kellie Sacksteder
Firefighter Chandler Hardy
Firefighter Dustin Rice
Firefighter Austin Collins
Firefighter Josh Holloway
Firefighter Quentin Gray
Firefighter Alec Thibodeaux
Firefighter Stuart Bell
Firefighter Leslie Pullen
Firefighter Jason Bower
Firefighter Sam Blosser
C Shift
Battalion Chief Morgan McComas
Captain C.J Chandler
Captain Chris Lantz
Lieutenant Andrew Bauserman
Lieutenant Joseph Walker
Lieutenant Chris Snyder
Lieutenant Cody Stephenson
Master Firefighter Donnie Babb
Master Firefighter Ben Thompson
Master Firefighter Chris Daniels
Master Firefighter C.J Smith
Master Firefighter Jonathan McKinney
Master Firefighter Andrew Suther-
land
Firefighter Matthew McCray
Firefighter Joseph Fierro
Firefighter Isabella Eyles
Firefighter Christine Hostetter
Firefighter Tyler Floyd
Firefighter Forrest Black
Firefighter Chelsey Karicofe
Firefighter Joseph Whitesell
Firefighter Caden Speaks
Firefighter Michael Schoeffel
Firefighter Nate Gordner
Hazmat Officer Ron Raab
Hazmat Officer Scott Lewis
Medical Director Dr. Peter Williams
Part Time Personnel
Firefighter Michael Arehart
Firefighter Andrew Crowley
Firefighter/Community Paramedic Dustin Wampler
Firefighter Jared Cheifetz
Firefighter Robbie Therrien
Firefighter Bryant Stunda
Firefighter Collin Cole
Firefighter Zack Gentry
Firefighter Gabe Chapman
Firefighter Decklyn Powell
Administrative Specialist Angela Phillips
Fire Inspector Jeff Morris
Fire Chaplain Jim Harlow
Firefighter Recruit James Armentrout
Firefighter Recruit John Rogers
Firefighter Recruit Rudy Lopez
Firefighter Recruit Chris Byers
Firefighter Recruit William Gannon
Firefighter Recruit William Harless
Firefighter Recruit Dustin Emore
Firefighter Recruit Sheldon Kilduff
Harrisonburg Police Department
101 North Main Street
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
(540) 437-2600
Harrisonburg/Rockingham
Emergency Communications
101 N. Main Street, Fifth Floor
Harrisonburg, VA 22802 (540) 434-4436
info@hrecc.org
Harrisonburg Volunteer Rescue Squad
1700 Reservoir Street
Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-434-2323
info@harrisonburgrescue.org
Rockingham County Department of Fire and Rescue
20 East Gay Street
Harrisonburg, VA 22802 (540) 564-3175
Andrew Dove
Dennis Alberston
Fiona Alberston
Benhamin Aldrich
Clayton Armstrong
Caleb Bailey
Stanley Barbour
Russell Barr
Judah Bauman
Joseph Bennett
David Berry
Forrest Black
William Blanton
Tanner Bogle
Joel Bradley
Dalton Breeden
Benjamin Brown
Stepahnie Brown
Woodrow Brown
Caleb Buckley
Will Callender
Tanner Carr
Benjamin Childs
Damian Clark
Laura Clark
Tyler Clakr
Joan Coaker
Blake Cook
Justin Cooper
Mason Cubbage
Garrett Custer
Colton Dean
Cameron Delawder
Isaac Diehl
Joshua Dove
Samantha Dull
Diogo Durante
Timothy Earley
John Effinger
Zachary Emnswiller
Daniel Ferraiuolo
Michael Ferrell
Chad Flora
Cody Foley
Alexander Foresman
Jeremy Fulk
David Gayhart
Dakota Gilliam
Dustin Gladwell
Jill Gladwell
Doughlas Gooden
Gregory Gooden
Thomas Grant
Larry Harper
Mark Hartman
Brett Hartt
Michael Hirsh
Andrew Holloway
Donald Holloway
Jeremy Holloway
Joshua Holloway
Trenton Hoover
Wade Hoover
Aaron Hostetter
David Huddle
Paul Huddle
Carolyn Huffman
Joshua Irvine
Glenn Jackson
Calvert James
Morgan Jedamski
Tyler Jessup
Brook Johnson
Justin Jointer
Jonathan Keller
Noah Keller
Laura Moran
Kyle Mork
Jeff Morris
Joseph Morris
Stephen Morris
Joseph Mullens
Daniel Murphy
Sierrra Murray
Lindsey Olinger
Brian Keplinger
Michael Peake
Dylan Kerns
Lee Keyser
Scotty Keyser
Jonathan Kibler
Seth Kiser
Carl Kite
Ryan Kline
Jeremy Knick
Andrew Krauss
Christopher Lantz
Edward Lieder
Harold Lloyd
Joshua Lohr
Miguel Lopez Solorzano
David Lough
Dustin Lucas
Jordan Maddra
Brandon Marston
Braeden McGrath
Bradley McKenzie
Charles Meadows
Austin Mealy
Mark Meyers
Jeffrey Michael
Jonathan Miller
Tyler Miller
Brandon Mills
Wendall Pence
Ryan Pettit
Tyler Phillips
Benjamin Piner
Brent Powell
Decklyn Powell
Steven Powell
Jeremy Ramsey
Samuel Ramsey
Tanner Reedy
Lauren Reznik
Matthew Rinker
James Ritchie
Jon Rittenour
Kyle Rogers
Alexis Roman
Eric Ryan
Omadou Sallah
Denver Sampson
Jeremy Saum
Gary Scott
Benjamin Seal
Isaac Seekford
Benjamin Shearer
Clayborne Shiflet
Adrian Shirk
Dakota Simmons Responders FROM PAGE 9
Andrew Showalter
Bradley Monger
Cody Monger
Sean Taylor
Dane Thomas
Donald Simmons
Bryan Smith
Kenan Smith
Landon Smith
Charles Spitler
Todd Spitzer
Lindsey Stein
Chad Stover
Albert Strawderman
Bryant Stunda
Patrick Sullivan
Josh Taylor
Christopher Thimpson
Patrick Trimble
Christropher Tusing
James Tuaing
Jack Van Orden
Jonathan Verry
Dustin Wampler
Andrew Whetzel
Dustin Whetzel
Joel Will
James Williams
Richard Williams
Trey William
Mark Williamson
Zachary Wills
Christien Withrow
Chadwick Yancey
Michael Yooung
Jennifer Zimmerman
JMU launches app to enhance campus safety
James Madison University has recently unveiled its latest initiative to bolster safety on campus: the JMU Shield app. This free app, which replaces the LiveSafe app, aims to provide the university community with essential safety alerts and instant access to a wide range of public safety resources.
JMU Shield’s advanced mobile reporting platform offers users a real-time alert system to communicate with friends and campus police. Additionally, the app includes in-app reporting features, safety resources, take-action guidelines, and an app-sharing feature, enabling users to share the app via Facebook, X, and email quickly.
While JMU Shield offers a comprehensive safety solution, it will not replace the Madison ALERT system. The Madison ALERT system will continue to serve as the primary means
See JMU, Page 13
Responders FROM PAGE 11
Shenandoah Volunteer Fire Company
201 Pennsylvania Avenue
Shenandoah VA 22849 (540) 652-8888
Shenandoah Volunteer Rescue Squad
33 West Main Street
P.O. Box 126
Stanley, VA 22851 (540) 778-7728
Singers Glen Volunteer Fire Department
9410 Singers Glen Road
P.O. Box 373
Singers Glen, VA 22850
Singers Glen Volunteer Rescue Squad
9405 Singers Glen Road Singers Glen, VA 22850 (540) 833-4310
Board of Directors
Chief Courtlend Knight
President Tracie Smith
Deputy Chief Jacob Anderson
Captain Carmen Paniagua
Secretary Heather Armstrong
Treasurer Jen Hutcheson
Community Member Patrick Tate
Community Member Jay McIntyre
Active members
Bryan Smith
Donnie Bazzle
Robert Strain
Keith Yoder
Steve Lambert
Rebecca Bowman
Debbie Mines
Emily Horst
Madalyn Shifflett
David Haywood
Frank Jackson
Israel Britton
Jack St. John
Laura Chambers
Tyler McClain
Marcus Debeallaistre
Joshua King
Life members
Kevin Lloyd
Stanley Good
Debbie Mines
Calvin Nolt
Amy Burns
Linda Blosser
Darlene Getz
Karol Messick
Diane Morris
Melinda Newman
Wendy Rearson
Judy Shell
Robert Taylor
Cindy Wittig
Karla Yoder
Auxiliary members
Ashley Burgoyne
Evelyn Borntrager
Philip Borntrager
Karl Bowman
MaKayla Britton
Megan Geier
Thelma Good
Rebecca Grogg
Susan Lloyd
Rick Kondash
Sherri Kondash
Tabatha Lessley
Serena Lloyd
Elaine Nold
Heidi Nolt
Darlene Taylor
Brian Yoder
Stanley Volunteer Fire Department
190 East Main Street
Stanley, VA 22851
(540) 778-3177
See RESPONDERS, Page 13
Officers
President Mike Foltz
Vice President David Keyser
Secretary Ethan Knight
Treasurer Michael Kane
Board members
Mitch Martin
Jason Alger
Jacob Jenkins
Andrew Stoneberger
Members
Chief Terry A. Pettit
Assistant Chief Kevin L. Painter
Captain Jason Sours
Lieutenant 24 Jason Pettit
Lieutenant 24-1 Colin Huffman
Lieutenant 24-2 Daniel Rhinehart
Chief Engineer Brennan Stoneberger
EMS Officer Casey Burner
Kyan Addie
Jason Alger
Heidi Beales
Mike Beddow
Daniel Cubbage
Tommy Davis
Ricky Foster
Derek Franks
Travis Hilliard
Dale Housden
Colin Huffinan
Jacob Jenkins
Ethan Knight
Mike Lloyd
Jacob Martin
Mathew Martin
Jordan Nealis
Jeremy Orye
Kevin L. Painter
Jason Pettit
Mathew Price
Caleb Purdharn
Jamie Rickard
Patrick Sandford
Jason Sours
Jordan Sours
Brad Stoneberger
Brennan Stoneberger
Nicole Taylor
Chance Wallace
Russell Allen
Ariel Beales
Casey Burner
Zach Croft
Mike Foltz
Randy Foltz
Raynard Good
Travis Good
Jason Housden
Michael Housden
Michael Kane
David Keyser
“We
Auxiliary Members
Heather Andrews
J.T. Long
Joey Long
Mitch Martin
Madison McKenzie
Darnell Owens
Kevin J. Painter
Terry Pettit
Taylor Pifer
Daniel Rhinehart
Jimmy Rhinehart
Austin Seal
Robert Seal Jr.
Doug Southers
Andrew Stoneberger
Bruce Stoneberger
Ken Sumpter
Auxiliary officers
President Patty Foltz
Vice President Bonnie Hutchinson
Treasurer David Hutchinson
Secretary Heather Andrews
Pamela Hansen
Kathy Huffinan
Madison Whitfield
Vanessa Bywaters
Angela Hilliard
Morgan Osborne
Kaitlyn Croft
Bonnie Hutchinson
Savannah Painter
Patty Foltz
David Hutchinson
Danielle Rhinehart
Inactive life members
Pat Cubbage
Jeff Good
Lynn Huffman
Benton Shenk
Carrroll Bosley
Keith Higgs
Ann Pettit
Aubrey Foltz
Ronnie Henderson
Gary Shirley
Stanley Police Department
278 East Main Street B Stanley, VA 22851 (540) 778-2615
Stanley Volunteer Rescue Squad Department
933 W. Main Street P.O. Box 126
Stanley, VA 22851
Timberville Police Department
392 South Main Street
Timberville, VA 22853
timbervillepd@msn.com
Chief J.R. Dodd
Sergeant Jeremy Hooke
Officer Justin Baker
Officer C.K. Ray
Officer Mike Thompson
Officer Shane Turner
Timberville Volunteer Fire Department
217 South Main Street
Timberville, VA 22853 (540) 896-9151
VSP Rockingham / Harrisonburg Area Office (VSP Area 16) 501 Acorn Drive Harrisonburg, VA 22802 (540) 434-8593