Heroes Awards of Valor for 39 police officers and firefighters

39 area police officers and firefighters receive Heroes Awards of Valor
By Michael Brocker

Inquirer Staff Writer

There were moments when Upper Darby Police Officer Raymond Blohm thought about quitting his dream job and never returning to the streets again.
"I had doubts and, yes, a lot of sleepless nights at first," he said of a shooting this year that left him injured and struggling with questions about his career.

Blohm was among 39 police officers and firefighters from Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania suburbs, and Delaware who received Heroes Awards of Valor at the National Liberty Museum on Wednesday night. It was the fifth year that the Center City museum had honored these men and women - and an occasional canine - for their courage and service.

"What these guys do is just extraordinary heroism," said Doug Tozour, president of the National Liberty Museum. "The policemen and firefighters risk their lives without a thought. That's what heroism is all about. This award will help to get them a little more recognition."

The honorees are traditionally chosen by the heads of the Fire and Police Departments.

"We could have named hundreds more," Philadelphia Fire Capt. Kevin O'Mally said.

Diablo, a specially trained Belgian Malinois who supports the patrol and narcotic units of the New Castle County Police Department, received the K-9 Hero Award.

Read more: Heroes Awards of Valor


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