By Debbie Adams
Vinton Police Corporal Andrew Hagy was named Officer of the Year for 2025 at the Vinton
Town Council meeting on May 5. He was chosen by his peers for “exceeding the duty
requirements expected of his position and demonstrating a distinct pattern of community service
coupled with professional achievement.”
left are Police Chief Fabricio Drumond, Hagy, his wife Chelsea, and Deputy Chief Tim Lawless. (photos by Debbie Adams)
In presenting the award, Vinton Police Chief Fabricio Drumond said, “Officer Hagy’s selection
as Officer of the year for 2025 is a direct reflection of sustained excellence, professionalism, and
an unwavering commitment to the mission of the Vinton Police Department. Throughout the
year, he consistently demonstrated a level of performance that sets the standard for others to
follow. His work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to operate effectively under pressure,
exemplify what it means to serve with purpose and discipline in today’s law enforcement
environment.”
Drumond described an incident Hagy responded to:
“On May 27, 2025, Officer Hagy responded to a burglar alarm that quickly escalated into a
robbery and ultimately a shooting, leaving a victim with a gunshot wound. While enroute, Hagy
recalled a robbery earlier that day in a neighboring jurisdiction and immediately recognized the
potential connection, demonstrating situational awareness and investigative instinct before even
arriving on the scene.
“Upon arrival, Officer Hagy quickly triaged the victim alongside other officers, rapidly
identifying entry and exit wounds and ensuring immediate lifesaving care. While rendering aid,
he simultaneously coordinated the investigation by directing the prompt review of surveillance
footage and identifying and preserving critical evidence. His initial efforts produced a suspected
vehicle and only limited suspect descriptions. During the incident, the suspects, acting in panic,
left behind items of evidentiary value that proved instrumental in advancing the case. Leveraging
these findings, along with available investigative software, Officer Hagy initiated a coordinated,
multi-jurisdictional fact-finding approach to identify those responsible.
“Through a deliberate and multi-agency unified effort, surveillance was established at key points
of interest, leading to the identification and location of the suspects. A high-risk traffic stop was
conducted resulting in the apprehension of two individuals connected to the incident. Irrefutable
evidence was recovered and after an interview, appropriate charges were obtained for robbery,
use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and malicious wounding. This incident is a clear
example of Officer Hagy’s ability to think critically, act decisively, and follow through with
precision, reinforcing why he is so deserving of being recognized as Officer of the Year.
“A complex and high-risk incident, including those requiring rapid decision-making,
coordination with partner agencies, and decisive enforcement action, highlights both his tactical
competence and sound judgment. He approached each situation with a balance of urgency and
control, ensuring that outcomes were both effective and aligned with the highest standards of
policing. It is the result of preparation, accountability, and a commitment to doing the job the
right way, every time.”
The chief next introduced the VPD’s Wellness Division program during the inaugural “Year of
Professional Excellence.” The Wellness Division operates on four foundational tenets: Faith,
Family, Fitness, and Finance, to “build resilient individuals and strengthen an agency that serves
the community with excellence. For each tenet, the VPD has recruited, trained, obtained
certifications, or entered into partnerships with subject matter experts. The Wellness Division
supports both the mental and physical health of officers.
“Law enforcement consistently experiences higher rates of stress-related illness, cardiovascular
disease, divorce, substance abuse, and suicide compared to the general population,” Drumond
noted. “Officers operate in environments defined by chronic stress, exposure to trauma, irregular
schedules, and high-consequence decision-making.”
Within the department, Executive Assistant to the Chief Mandie Baker and Detective Jake Miller
obtained certifications through the National Association of Sports Medicine in Certified Personal
Training, Wellness Coaching, Weight Loss Management, Nutrition, and Mental Toughness.
Baker was presented the Certificate of Excellence as a Wellness Instructor, and a Certificate of
Achievement indicating her VDEM Basic Academy Certification.
Drumond next introduced members of SHIELD Chaplaincy, which is made up of three
chaplains, Darren Potter, Gareth Stephenson, and Adam Hughes, and two trained canines,
Moose and Scarlett. This full-time nonprofit organization provides chaplain services to support
law enforcement officers throughout the valley, as well as services across Virginia.
the VPD. Pictured from left are Dep. Chief Lawless, Adam Hughes, Darren Potter with Scarlett,
Chief Fabricio Drumond, and Gareth Stephenson with Moose.
They provide emotional, spiritual, and relational support for both law enforcement officers and
their families. Chaplains are not distant resources; they are consistently present through ride-
along, one-on-one conversations, crisis response, and family engagement. They provide support
during critical incidents, assist with death notifications, offer counseling, and help officers
process trauma before it compounds into long-term issues.
“Officers who are supported emotionally and spiritually are more likely to remain engaged,
perform at a higher level, and sustain longer careers with fewer negative outcomes,” Drumond
said.
He then introduced Kristen Sharett, director of the Impact First Responders Program, which
serves the community through a three-tiered program of education, peer support, and counseling
to address the chronic stress and trauma experienced by law enforcement officers both on and off
the job. They described her role in the VPD Wellness Division.
program and work with the VPD.
The program trains officers to support one another through peer-to-peer engagement, building a
network of trust. It reinforces a shift from reactive care to proactive resilience. Impact First
Responders generally provide counseling within 24 hours of an incident without the barriers of
formal diagnosis or administrative friction.
Town Council members Mayor Brad Grose, Vice Mayor Laurie Mullins, Keith Liles, Sabrina
McCarty, and Mike Stovall issued proclamations declaring the week of May 11-16 as National
Police Officers Week in Vinton and May 3-9 as Small Business Week.
President and CEO of the Roanoke Regional Partnership John Hull presented his annual update
on activities and successes of the organization. Founded in 1983, the Roanoke Regional
Partnership is dedicated to connecting businesses to the resources they need to relocate or expand
in the Roanoke Region. Representing the counties of Alleghany, Botetourt, Franklin, and
Roanoke; the cities of Covington, Roanoke, and Salem; and the Town of Vinton, the Partnership
is a joint venture among the eight governments and more than 200 private sector businesses
committed to spreading the word about all the natural and human resources the Roanoke Region
has to offer.
Projects announced by the Partnership generated a record-breaking $396.9 million in economic
impact in the region in 2025 with 3,175 jobs created. While only 30% of Metro areas saw growth
in manufacturing, the Roanoke Region added jobs, ranking 46 out of 277 small and mid-size
metros, placing it in the top quartile nationally.
In his report, Hull focused much of his time on efforts to brand the region as an “outdoor haven–
paying dividends, attracting residents, visitors, and investment– while strengthening the quality
of life in our communities.”
The region attracted 1,949 new residents in 2025.
Hull thanked the Town of Vinton for its role in the Partnership.
Assistant Planning and Zoning Director Nathan McClung reported on the latest meeting of the
Community Development Committee, and the many economic development and infrastructure
projects in the works.
The next Town Council meeting is scheduled for May 19 at 6 p.m., when a public hearing will
be held on the FY2027 budget.
