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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..

Robin Kemp is executive editor and CEO of The Clayton Crescent, which she founded in 2020. She has worked for Gambit, CNN, The Weather Channel, Clayton News, Henry Herald, and numerous freelance outlets....