ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ/VSP Release) – Four Virginia State Police troopers are among 26 law enforcement officers receiving 2026 Awards for Valor from the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police.
The awards ceremony took place Sept. 1, 2026, at the Hotel Roanoke in Roanoke.
The following is information from Virginia State Police:
Virginia State Trooper John D. Winebrenner was recognized for his actions during a pursuit that occurred on Dec. 29, 2025. Trooper Winebrenner responded to a call after a pursuit had occurred involving Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s deputies. The driver was wanted by the sheriff’s office for three counts of brandishing a firearm and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The charges stemmed from an earlier incident where the subject, armed with a rifle, made threats to a known female. During the deputies’ pursuit of the wanted subject, one deputy crashed and law enforcement lost sight of the suspect. …