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Virginia Sheriffs’ Association
The Voice of Virginia’s Sheriffs & Deputies

The Virginia Sheriffs’ Association (VSA) congratulates the 2023 recipients of the Deputy Sheriff of the Year, Dispatcher of the Year, and the Valor Award. These awards provide an excellent means for VSA to recognize the meritorious contributions of Virginia’s professional deputy sheriffs and dispatchers. While all of this year’s nominees were honorable, the committee selected the following members for going above and beyond the call of duty.

2023 Deputy Sheriff of the Year Award

Investigator Scott Chambers from the City of Chesapeake is the recipient of the Deputy Sheriff of the Year Award. A 4-year member of the Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office, Investigator Chambers is assigned to its Criminal Apprehension Unit where he is a sworn Special Deputy with the United States Marshals Service and a member of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force. In this role on January 11, 2023, Investigator Chambers apprehended Lamont Lewis who was wanted for the homicide of his wife. The Task Force initiated a vehicle take-down, with Investigator Chambers at the rear pin of the suspect’s vehicle. Chambers ensured the safe exit of the vehicle’s other occupant and was then struck by three rounds fired by Lewis. Investigator Chambers returned fire striking Lewis several times. Chambers was transported to a medical center in critical condition and underwent two surgeries and a weeklong hospitalization.

2023 Dispatcher of the Year Award

Lieutenant Janie Jenkins from Rappahannock County is the recipient of the Dispatcher of the Year Award. A 21-year member of the Rappahannock County Sheriff’s Office, Lieutenant Jenkins is routinely counted upon to handle life threatening fire, emergency medical, and law enforcement emergencies. She spends countless hours in the Communications center ensuring that the staff are performing their duties correctly and that the needs of the citizens are being fully served. Within the past year, Jenkins has also overseen completion of many projects and upgrades that have allowed for a more efficient and effective method for citizens to access public safety services, ensuring citizens are provided the best telecommunications possible in a rural environment.

2023 Valor Award

Deputy Robbie Robinson from Wise County is the recipient of the Valor Award. The Valor Award is exceptional, and Deputy Robinson’s bravery and survival skills poignantly highlight his merit. While responding to reports of a missing 13-year-old girl and a possible stolen vehicle on July 17, 2021, Deputy Robinson encountered the suspect. He pursued the suspect and was attacked by knife. The suspect stabbed Deputy Robinson and cut his throat. During the attack, Deputy Robinson fired his duty weapon at the suspect. Deputy Robinson sustained five stab wounds and severe lacerations to his face, neck, ear and head. Deputy Robinson administered self-aid while radioing his partners from the secluded location where he had been thrown. Deputy Robinson, while applying pressure to his neck wounds, then returned to his car to drive himself to out of the wooded area. The actions of Deputy Robbie Robinson that day not only saved his life, but potentially the life of a 13-year-old missing child.

The awards will be presented to these exceptional individuals during the VSA Annual Conference, scheduled for September 19-21, 2023, at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront Marriott.