Read Full Article | View Source
Business and community leaders filled a Culpeper firehall Wednesday night to celebrate first responders and public service workers.
The event was the fourth annual Valor Awards, hosted by the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce at Salem Volunteer Fire Department. A major thunderstorm swept the area before 6 p.m., forcing the firehouse to run on a backup generator, but the festivities carried on as steadily as the hands of those being honored.
Chamber CEO Jeff Say kicked off the ceremony. Say welcomed everyone and lauded the efforts of first responders and public service personnel, whom he said often are taken for granted. He turned the podium over to Chad Melton, CEO of Fauquier Health, the event’s signature sponsor, who delivered a brief address. The Rev. John Hemming, pastor of Culpeper United Methodist Church, led people in prayer…

