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.

Communications Officer of the Year: Gwinnett County Police Department Communications Officer II Benjamin Marlow

Public Safety Civilian Partnership Award: Austin Anglin and Ryan Slusher, "whose life-saving actions prevented a tragedy and saved two lives.

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Helen Gilbert places flowers on her brother Eurie Martin’s grave at Camp Spring Baptist Church in Sandersville. Her brother died eight years ago. Three former Washington County deputies are accused of causing his death and are set to stand trial Monday. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez