BY JANE BLOODWORTH ROWE
VIRGINIA BEACH — American Legion Princess Anne Post 113 recognized eight Virginia Beach first responders for their service to the city during a celebration held on Sunday, Feb. 27, at Courthouse Horizons.
These eight honorees were nominated for their service during the years 2020 or 2021. Normally, the “law and order” awards ceremony is held annually, but last year’s event was canceled because of restrictions related to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Honorees from both years were recognized by the post this past month.
For 2020, the honorees are Emergency Medical Technician Norwood Burdett, fire Capt. Edward Landgrover, Police Officer Zachary P. Harrington and Master Deputy John Mallory. For 2021, they are Emergency Medical Technician Thomas Gross, Master Firefighter Jessie Clark, police Sgt. Holly Ellison and Sheriff’s Deputy Daniel Fantino.
During remarks, Mayor Bobby Dyer and Vice Mayor Rosemary Wilson praised Virginia Beach’s public safety personnel, saying safety is crucial for the city’s overall wellbeing.
“I can’t think of anything more important than law and order,” Wilson said. “If you don’t have a safe city, who’s going to come?”
Dyer added that public safety “is the glue that holds the city together.”
Information provided by the American Legion about the awardees follows.
• Burdett, a member of the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad, won the 2020 Emergency Medical Services Award. Among other accomplishments, he was recognized for his skill and calmness under pressure when he single-handedly provided medical care in the back of an ambulance to a critically injured victim at the May 31, 2019, mass shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center.
• Gross, who received the 2021 Emergency Medical Services Award, was recognized by the Virginia Beach Police Department for his efforts in assisting the police in apprehending a suspect who allegedly assaulted a police officer.
• Landgrover received the 2020 award for his service to the fire department. The 22-year veteran serves at the Harry E. Diezel Fire Training Center and is the rescue manager in the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Virginia Task Force 2. Additionally, he is the lead instructor for the shoring section of the Structural Collapse Specialist School.
• Clark received the 2021 award for service to the fire department. While temporarily assigned, he served as a department purchaser and a forklift operator, and he has also taken administrative courses. Clark assisted in the development of the Electronic Status Board that tracks incoming and outgoing items, and he has served on several committees.
• Harrington, who was recently recognized by the First Police Precinct Citizens Advisory Committee, received the 2020 Police Award. Police Sgt. T.M. Moorefield, a supervisor in the precinct, wrote a nominating letter calling Harrington “a dependable, efficient, and unfailingly punctual police officer.” Harrington initiated 20 felony and 65 misdemeanor charges that year, and he made 486 traffic stops which resulted in 189 traffic charges. He has also been noted for successful work with young people.
• Ellison received the 2021 Police Award for her work as the evening shift supervisor, late day shift supervisor, administrative supervisor and police training officer coordinator. Her administrative duties also include training, mentoring, job shadowing, and education. Police Lt. James J. Gordon wrote that Ellison is often sought out by peers who have questions about how to address various challenges.
• Mallory received the 2020 award for his service to the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office. Mallory, who is assigned to the court security and transportation division, has been commended for direct action in stopping and apprehending violators of firearms offenses. He has also assisted in the treatment of hit and run victims.
• Fantino, the winner of the 2021 Sheriff’s Award, has received several letters of appreciation for his service. He has volunteered at temporary detention order transport in a manpower shortage and calmed a former inmate on a crisis intervention team call. Two supervisors, Sgt. C. T. White and Cpl. K. Rolka, noted in a nomination letter that he had assisted the police in apprehending car thief suspects and alleged bank robbers. He has also performed CPR on a cardiac arrest victim until Emergency Medical Services personnel responded, and he has demonstrated a strong work ethic and a desire to serve his community.
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