Fallen, injured Virginia officers honored by local police foundation

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A Virginia police nonprofit held a special ceremony for officers and K-9s who were killed or injured in the line of duty.

Virginia Law Enforcement (VALE) Foundation president and spokesperson Keith Culver says the event had its best turnout yet, with nearly 50 law enforcement agencies from across the Commonwealth.

The foundation honored Wintergreen Police officer Mark C. Wagner , who was shot and killed after responding to a domestic disturbance call last June. Wagner’s family and the Wintergreen Police Department were given a Thin Blue Line U.S. flag. It’s the same flag officers raised up a flagpole at the Pentagon on May 15 for the National Peace Officers’ Memorial.

Virginia State University Police officer Bruce Foster also received a flag and certificate after being shot and paralyzed from the waist down during a shooting on campus late last year.

The group also recognized Chesterfield Sheriff’s Office K-9 Cooper and Henrico County Divison of Police K-9 Gadsden. Both were killed in the line of duty and their handlers were given their flag.

“Gone but never forgotten, they may be gone from our lives, they may be going from our everyday life, and our work lives, but we will never forget what they have sacrificed and what they have done for our communities and families,” Culver said.

The VALE Foundation raised $2,585, which will go to help support families of fallen or injured officers.

They also recognized Chesterfield County Police Chief Jeffrey Katz, who is retiring and participated in the event’s “Dunk-a-Cop” fundraiser. The new Dunk-A-Cop Champion is Officer E. Ramirez of the Lynchburg Police Department, who received the title and belt for raising the most money.

The foundation is now planning a mental health for first responders event for September.

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