“Officer Slate White was recognized by the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association (VSA) with the prestigious Valor Award for his extraordinary bravery during a life-saving rescue. He received the award during their annual conference.
Prior to joining the Lynchburg Police Department, Officer White served as a Canine Deputy with the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office. Last May, he and two fellow deputies, Lieutenant Bodek and Deputy Caveness, responded to an emergency call at Crabtree Falls. A hiker had fallen off the trail into the fast and dangerous currents of the Piney River.
Navigating a dark and very steep embankment, Officer White reached the river’s edge and spotted the hiker clinging to a rock in the rushing water. Acting quickly, White used his 30-foot K9 lead, tossing it to the woman and pulling her safely to shore with assistance.
The LPD extends our gratitude to Officer White and the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office for their life-saving actions and search and rescue efforts. We are incredibly proud to have Officer White serving the Lynchburg community with K9 Bane.”
