The Awards of Valor program honors active duty police officers, police detectives, K-9 units, firefighters & fire police, EMS & EMT, other emergency responders, and law enforcement personnel from the Greater Philadelphia Region for remarkable acts of heroism and for serving as role models in their communities.
Their stories are gripping and inspirational, and they represent the very best of what the National Liberty Museum considers “Everyday Heroes.”
Awards and Criteria
Valor in Emergency Response – Individual
Honors an emergency responder or law enforcement professional whose exceptional courage and decisive action protected others in the face of danger.
Valor in Emergency Response – Team
Honors a team of emergency responders or law enforcement professionals whose collective bravery and coordinated action protected others during an emergency.
Meritorious Community Service – Individual
Recognizes an emergency responder or law enforcement professional whose outstanding service strengthens community relationships and improves the lives of others.
Meritorious Community Service – Team
Recognizes a team of emergency responders or law enforcement professionals whose collaborative service addresses community needs and creates meaningful, lasting impact
Henry Rudolph Award
Celebrates an emergency responder or law enforcement professional who has confronted physical, cognitive, or psychological challenges with strength, courage, and hope, inspiring others through their achievements and service.
The National Liberty Museum celebrated its 20th annual Awards of Valor, presented by Your Local Chevrolet Dealers, on Tuesday, November 18th, 2025.
Congratulations to the 2025 Honorees
Daniel D. McCarty Jr.
Valor in Emergency Response – Individual
Philadelphia Fire Department
James Black
Valor in Emergency Response – Individual
Lower Merion Township Police Department
Evan Polk
Valor in Emergency Response – Individual
Philadelphia Fire Department
Kevin Reilly
Valor in Emergency Response – Individual
County of Burlington Department of Public Safety
Kristopher Russel
Valor in Emergency Response – Individual
Philadelphia Police Department
Alexander McChord & John Hayward
Valor in Emergency Response – Team
Lower Merion Township Police Department
Keven Fountain, Rochelle Copeland, Phillip Harris, Ersin Koch, & Maurice Marlow
Valor in Emergency Response – Team
Philadelphia Department of Prisons
Brandyn Ortiz & Stephen Yost
Valor in Emergency Response – Team
Philadelphia Fire Department
Peter T. Small, Craig J. Lindell, Carissa L. Lancaster, Ash Z. Touchton
Valor in Emergency Response – Team
New Castle County Medical Services
Anthony Amato
Meritorious Community Service – Individual
Cherry Hill Police Department
Ronald Shousky
Meritorious Community Service – Individual
Philadelphia Fire Department
Stephanie Velazquez
Meritorious Community Service – Individual
Philadelphia Police Department
Anthony Roberson (Representing the Central Falls Police Department)
Meritorious Community Service – Team
Central Falls Police Department
Gene & Sean Mackey
Meritorious Community Service – Team
Folcroft Police Department & UPenn K9 Unit
Jamel Howard & Patti
Meritorious Community Service – Team
University of Delaware Police Department
