Henrico officer honored at Valor Awards celebration

Henrico County Police Officer Shretta Ford (pictured with Henrico Police Chief Eric English) was honored with a Silver Valor Award at the 32nd Annual Valor Awards, held December 1 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

Previously presented by Retail Merchants Association, the Valor Awards are now part of The 100 Club RVA’s mission of supporting area first responders and their families.  Officer Ford was one of 22 honorees from around the region who were celebrated for going above and beyond the call of duty.

In July, Ford was among three investigating officers who responded to a call for help when a 20-year-old male pulled a knife on his grandmother. Adding to the uncertainty, children were inside the residence, and hiding when officers arrived.

Ford worked to de-escalate the situation, but the suspect continued to behave erratically, and suddenly lunged at the grandmother with knife in hand.  Officer Ford drew her service weapon and fired at the suspect, who turned on Ford and advanced at her with the knife.

Ford continued to fire, striking the suspect; he later died of his injuries despite the efforts of officers and a rescue squad.  Officer Ford received the Silver Valor Award for her quick actions in the face of danger, saving the life of the grandmother and other officers on the scene.

Following the Valor Awards, the presentation of Valor Coins was held.  The family of Henrico County Police Officer Trey Sutton received Valor Coins in his memory.  Sutton, 24, died in a crash in May while transporting a person in police custody to the jail complex; his partner and the passenger were also severely injured.  Sutton had graduated from police academy only a few months before.