PURCELLVILLE, VA: April 21, 2017 – Two Purcellville police officers and one Purcellville resident were among the 107 Public Safety heroes and 20 citizen heroes recognized at the 32nd Annual Loudoun County Chamber Valor Awards ceremony. The event was held Thursday, April 20, 2017, at the National Conference Center in Lansdowne, Virginia.
On April 4, 2016, an emergency call was dispatched to a residence for a domestic violence situation. Information unfolded as the officers responded, and it was quickly learned that the victim was suffering from knife wounds and was rapidly losing blood. Corporal Paul Kakol and LCSO Deputy First Class Ryan Hamilton responded together. Without due regard to their safety, Deputy Hamilton grabbed his trauma kit and the two bolted into the home. They quickly found the victim, bleeding profusely and quickly began administering first aid. The two worked in unison to pack the wounds, apply pressure, and stabilize the victim for transport by rescue personnel.
Sergeant Wagner came in on their heels and took the lead in protecting his teammates and ensuring the home was secure, all the while believing the suspect was still in the home. As soon as possible he was able to scan the home and he learned the suspect had fled, possibly still armed with the knife. A detailed look out was immediately broadcast by Sergeant Wagner.
On his way home from work, Purcellville resident, Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chris Loftis had turned his police radio to the Loudoun County frequency and heard the lookout. Being close to the scene he began scanning the area and located a male subject matching the lookout description. Deputy Loftis took the suspect into custody immediately. Within seconds, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived and took custody of the suspect. Paramedics also arrived and assessed the suspect’s medical condition.
The courage and quick thinking on this day exemplified bravery, compassion, and the ability to think and act efficiently under pressure. Corporal Paul Kakol and Loudoun County Sheriff’s Deputy First Class Ryan Hamilton were bestowed the highest honor of the event, the Bronze Medal of Valor. Sergeant Robert Wagner and Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chris Loftis were recognized with the Certificate of Valor.
