Two Southeast VAPBA Chapter Members Honored
In
2007, Southeast VAPBA members were honored at the Portsmouth Police
Department’s annual award ceremony.Kevin Johnakin is assigned to the Special Investigations Unit of the Portsmouth Police Department. Kevin Johnakin responded to a call for service in the Jeffry Wilson Public Housing Community regarding a nine month old baby who was unresponsive. Johnakin was the first to arrive and entered the apartment where several hysterical family members were present. Johnakin took control of the situation and attempted to revive the baby through CPR. Johnakin continued CPR until medics arrived. He acted quickly and did everything he could to save the baby. Unfortunately, the baby did not recover and was pronounced at the hospital. PBA member Johnakin acted determinedly and went above and beyond his duties in an effort to save a young life. For his actions, PBA member Kevin Johnakin was awarded the Portsmouth Police Department’s Meritorious Performance Medal.
Beth Reed was on patrol in the Prentis Park section of Portsmouth, Va., when she heard several gunshots. She responded to the area where she believed the gunshots had originated. As she came into the area, she was advised by police dispatch of a robbery to an individual where shots were fired and the description of the suspect. Soon thereafter, she observed the suspect running from a field into the street. Reed initiated a foot pursuit with the suspect. During the foot pursuit, the suspect ran between two houses, attempted to climb a fence, turned toward Reed and fired two shots at her. Reed took cover, maintained her composure, transmitted over police radio that she was under fire and assumed the foot pursuit, chasing the suspect through several back yards. Reed would lose sight of the suspect. Remaining calm, Reed was able to direct responding officers to her location and coordinate a perimeter. When the perimeter was established, an extensive search was conducted. The suspect was located along with the firearm and arrested. The suspect was convicted for Armed Robbery, Use of a Firearm in Commission of a Felony, and Attempted Capital Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer.
PBA member Beth Reed showed ability to remain collected and composed, and to show courage under fire to not only continue her pursuit of the suspect who attempted to kill her, but also direct responding officers in establishing a perimeter that ultimately led to the arrest of the suspect and recovery of the firearm. Furthermore, PBA member Reed’s ability to testify to this traumatic and emotionally trying experience, leading to the suspect’s conviction despite an aggressive defense and very trying cross-examination, is true testament to PBA member Reed’s personal and physical courage and professionalism. For this, PBA member Reed was awarded the Portsmouth Police Department’s highest honor, the Medal of Valor.