Four Virginia State Police Troopers Recognized by Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police

ROANOKE – Four Virginia State Police troopers were among 26 law enforcement officers receiving 2026 Awards for Valor from the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police.  The awards ceremony took place Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, at the Hotel Roanoke in Roanoke, Va.

Virginia State Trooper John D. Winebrenner was recognized for his actions during a pursuit that occurred on Dec. 29, 2025.  Trooper Winebrenner responded to a call after a pursuit had occurred involving Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s deputies.  The driver was wanted by the sheriff’s office for three counts of brandishing a firearm and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  The charges stemmed from an earlier incident where the subject, armed with a rifle, made threats to a known female.  During the deputies’ pursuit of the wanted subject, one deputy crashed and law enforcement lost sight of the suspect.

When Trooper Winebrenner located the vehicle, he activated his vehicle’s emergency equipment and attempted to conduct a traffic stop.  However, the suspect failed to stop and a pursuit ensued. During the pursuit, which continued onto rural secondary roads, Trooper Winebrenner was able to successfully stop the suspect vehicle.  The suspect vehicle spun off the roadway and struck a fence as Trooper Winebrenner’s vehicle stopped perpendicular to the driver’s door of the suspect vehicle. After both vehicles came to a stop, the wanted suspect suddenly began firing a semi-automatic rifle from close range into the interior of Trooper Winebrenner’s vehicle while Trooper Winebrenner was still inside.

Trooper Winebrenner drew his pistol and returned fire while quickly exiting his vehicle and engaging the suspect who continued to fire multiple rounds into the State Police vehicle and at Trooper Winebrenner.  During the barrage of gunfire aimed at Trooper Winebrenner, Trooper Winebrenner suffered a gunshot wound to his left arm and shrapnel wounds to his face and head.

Due to Trooper Winebrenner’s quick decision to exit his vehicle, and his proficiency with firearms, Trooper Winebrenner was able to overcome the imminent threat to his life and potentially prevent harm to others.  Trooper Winebrenner’s actions in this incident reflect his dedication to duty, service to the community, and his bravery, exemplifying the ideal “shall consider no sacrifice too great in the performance of my duty” as contained in the Virginia State Police Trooper’s pledge.

Senior Trooper Pedro Salamanca, Trooper William Keesee, and Trooper Dylan Welsh were recognized for their actions during a barricade incident in Roanoke on Dec. 1, 2025.

The barricade followed a pursuit by a U.S. Marshals Service Task Force, which was trying to take a violent fugitive into custody. The suspect fled the attempted stop, struck several law enforcement vehicles, and then abandoned the car in a residential neighborhood.

The suspect had been inside a residence for several hours when the Tactical team responded and made numerous efforts to try and resolve the situation peacefully.  Chemical munitions were deployed in an attempt to force a surrender. The suspect then emerged from a doorway and aimed a firearm at Trooper Dylan Welsh who, at that moment, was armed only with a Taser device.

Recognizing the immediate and deadly threat to their fellow trooper and responding without hesitation, Troopers Keesee and Salamanca confronted the threat with lethal force. Their swift and decisive actions protected the life of Trooper Welsh. The suspect’s firearm was later determined to have been illegally modified to allow multiple shots with one pull. Troopers Keesee and Salamanca provided medical aid to the suspect until EMS personnel arrived.

The Award for Valor recognizes a law enforcement officer who, in the line of duty, performs an act of extraordinary heroism while engaged with an adversary at imminent personal risk. The award is the highest honor presented by the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police.

Source

Pittsylvania County is a county in Southside Virginia. Its county seat is Chatham.