Valor Awards honor Gwinnett's police officers

On Thursday, the Gwinnett Chamber hosted its annual Valor Awards, honoring the county's public safety professionals for their achievements and bravery. Representatives from several local departments were recognized.

• Gold Medal of Valor: Gwinnett County Police Department's Sgt. Roger Bell and Officers Austin York, Daniel Bennett and Victor Cortez, for "their quick thinking in stopping a violent assailant and getting the victims the medical treatment they needed."

• Silver Medal of Valor: Norcross Police Department Officer Joseph Harkleroad, for "showing great bravery in his actions while pulling a driver from a burning vehicle."

• Medal of Merit: Suwanee Police Department Officer Chance Belcher, for being "an outstanding program or person in the community that goes above and beyond, but on and off the job."

• Lifesaving Award: Gwinnett County Police Department Officeres Joseph Boyd, Dylan Fields, Christian Matos, Kevin Robinson and Tyler Stevers, for "decisive action" that enabled them "to locate a victim and act without hesitation in administering lifesaving treatment."

• Unit of the Year: Lawrenceville Police Department's crime suppression unit.

• Public Safety Person of the Year: Gwinnett County Police Department Officer Senior Shawn Mycols.