The Purple Heart Valor Award was bestowed upon Morrow Police Sgt. Chung Quach, who suffered a debilitating arm fracture while chasing a shoplifting suspect last year. Chief Jimmy Callaway called Quach “a cop’s cop” and said Quach has been recovering ever since. He added that Quach’s injuries may prevent him from ever return to law enforcement. “It is with great, great, great pleasure that we’re able to present this award to Sgt. Quach this evening,” Callaway said. “His service is truly appreciated by myself, the Morrow Police Department, and the citizens of Morrow.” Mayor John Lampl added, “Sgt. Quach didn’t hesistate, he did his job, and we have to have his back.”
Other first responders recognized include:
Life Saving Award
Sgt. Ryan DeVita, Clayton County Fire and Emergency Services
Public Safety Award
Lt. Daniel Durand, Clayton County Fire and Emergency Services
Merit Award
Communication Officer Joanne Southerland, Clayton County Fire and Emergency Services
Leadership Award
Fire Chief Landry Merkison and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sudha Reddy, Clayton County Fire and Emergency Services
Healthcare Warrior Award
Head Nurse Jane Hinton, Southern Regional Medical Center
Healthcare Warrior Award
Kaiser Permanente Southwood COVID-19 Tent Testing Team
Medal of Valor – Bronze Star Award
Lt. Sean Moran Engine Co. 8, and Med 3C, Clayton County Fire and Emergency Services
Medal of Valor – Gold Star Award
Sgt. Jalany Rogers and Detective Thomas Bastyr, Clayton County Police Department
The Valor Awards are sponsored by the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce and Kaiser Permanente. WSB’s Tom Jones served as emcee of the Sept. 10 ceremony..
