RICHMOND, Va. –
The Virginia Army National Guard was among those recognized at Local Heroes Day, an event held July 17, 2021, at the Pembroke Mall in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Along with local first responders, recruiters from the Virginia Army National Guard accepted a proclamation and an engraved surfboard from Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer.
“It was a very humbling experience to see all the support from the community,” said Staff Sgt. Daniel Gibbs, one of the recruiters who participated in Local Heroes Day. “To be recognized alongside other heroes like police and fire for the work that we do within the community by the mayor was one of the more memorable experiences of my recent military career.”
Gibbs, who started as a recruiter in 2019, said along with the National Guard, the Virginia Beach Fire and Police departments were recognized, along with the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary for their support to the community. The mayor’s proclamation officially declared July 17, 2021, as Local Heroes Day.
At the event, Sgt. Shayne Smith, one of the Virginia Army National Guard’s newest recruiters, said the mayor stopped by their tent at the event and checked out the Humvee they had on display.
“He snagged a National Guard hat and wore it for the rest of the day,” Smith said, explaining that the mayor told them he wanted to thank the hard work the National Guard and other agencies put in to keep the community safe. “I thought it was a really awesome and humbling experience to receive recognition like that from the mayor and community.”
The proclamation reads as follows:
Whereas our local heroes who serve a public safety officers and first responders, both career and volunteer, perform a vital public service and are recognized as heroic individuals who define the true meaning of valor and selflessness; and
Whereas facing immeasurable risks every day, they demonstrate the highest degree of selflessness, placing concerns for their fellow citizen above their own safety; and
Whereas first responders, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), and paramedics stand ready to provide compassionate, lifesaving care, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to improve the survival and recovery of those in sudden need of care; and
Whereas Sheriff’s Officers are called upon to fill, simultaneously, custodial, supervisory, and counseling roles. The professionalism, dedication and courage exhibited by these officers throughout the performance of these demanding and often conflicting roles, work to secure public safety and betterment of Virginia Beach; and
Whereas fire professionals exhibit great courage and devotion, putting their lives in danger to safeguard the lives and property of our citizens; and
Whereas police and public safety officers serve the people by safeguarding life and property, by protecting them against violence and disorder, and by protecting the innocent against deception and the week against oppression; and
Whereas all communities benefits directly form the knowledge, skills, and compassion of these highly training individuals who continued to work through this unprecedented health emergency; and
Whereas this Occasion provides us with an opportunity to recognize the day-to-day sacrifice and bravery of thee local heroes.
Now, therefore, I, Robert M. Dyer, Mayor of the City of Virginia Beach, do hereby proclaim July 17, 2021, Local Heroes Day in Virginia Beach and I encourage all to join me in celebrating the inaugural CostalEdge Local Heroes Day in thanks to these remarkable individuals who ensure the health and safety of all who live, work, or visit Virginia Beach.