Gov. Justice will join officials from the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security to present the inaugural round of Medal of Valor award.
The following individuals will be presented with the Medal of Valor: Patrolman Cassie Johnson Corporal Marshall Bailey Trooper Eric Workman Deputy John Westfall Sergeant Thomas E. Baker III Firefighter John Dean Forbush Firefighter James W. Spencer
The West Virginia First Responder Honor Board was created within the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security. The purpose of the Board is to recognize and honor first responders who have "distinguished themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of their lives above and beyond the call of duty in the performance of their duties to be awarded the Medal of Valor". W.Va. Code §29-32-2. After the Board votes, the nominations are referred to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House so that each representative body can confirm the awards.