Officer of the Month - March
The Foundation is happy to be able to provide a cash award on behalf of the citizens of the City of Lynchburg to the Officer of the Month: Officer E.A. Veliz.
“On Tuesday, March 5, Officer Erik Veliz was off-duty on his way into work traveling on Route 501 in Lynchburg when he observed an overturned vehicle, engulfed in flames. Officer Veliz stopped his vehicle, immediately called the accident into LynCom, and without hesitation began working to extricate the vehicle occupant who was still inside the burning vehicle. With the assistance of Virginia State Police Trooper Herrera and Lynchburg Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Hudson (who were both off-duty as well), Officer Veliz rescued the occupant and moved her to a safe distance from the accident site. He provided assistance until she was taken to Lynchburg General Hospital and treated for her injuries.
Officer Veliz’s heroic actions demonstrated an unbelievable level courage in the face of significant danger. Despite sustaining injuries of his own, Officer Veliz acted quickly and decisively to save a life. Without his actions, and those of Trooper Hudson and Sergeant Hudson, the vehicle occupant would surely have perished. Officer Veliz is recognized for his unwavering dedication to duty, his perseverance, and his selfless actions that placed his own life in danger so that a complete stranger could live. His exemplary actions are a great reminder of how important the role of a police officer is in our society.
Thank you Officer Veliz for your bravery. Our department and our community are lucky to have you.”
The Foundation thanks Officer Veliz for his commitment to our community, even while off duty, and for putting himself in danger to save a life.
Donors to the Foundation allow us to continue to recognize our Lynchburg officers on behalf of our fellow citizens.