Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars presents Public Servant Awards to emergency medical technicians, law enforcement personnel and firefighter personnel.

Earlier this month, Suffolk’s Joe Bagley VFW Post 2582 presented awards to two Suffolk Fire & Rescue personnel as well as one member of the Suffolk Police Department.

Award winners must have demonstrated recognition by their colleagues or those they serve, consistent excellence in the performance of their duties, and consistent dedication to their official responsibilities over a period of years and continuous growth in responsibilities and skills within their profession.

 

Firefighter/Medic Joseph A. Jarman — VFW Emergency Medical Technician Public Servant Citation

Firefighter/Medic Joseph A. Jarman began his career with the Suffolk Fire & Rescue Department in September 2003.

Jarman began practicing as an Advanced Life Support provider in October 2006. In May 2015, Jarman graduated from Tidewater Community College with an associate degree in emergency medical services.

He is the most recent recipient of the Department’s Paramedic of the Year award.

In the letters nominating him for the Paramedic of the Year award, Jarman is described as constantly displaying compassion for those he serves.

He is recognized as a leader in providing training for his crew, ensuring that required certifications are maintained and crew members are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills, according to a city press release.

Jarman is assigned to Ladder 3 in the First Battalion on Shift C. He holds numerous certifications from the Virginia Department of Fire Programs and other agencies.

He serves as a self-contained breathing apparatus technician and has been instrumental in the department’s Muscular Dystrophy Association Fill-the-Boot campaign.

Jarman served in the U.S. Army from 1997 to 2001.

 

Lt. Kenneth W. Nelms — VFW Firefighters Public Servant Citation

Lt. Kenneth W. Nelms started his career in public service at the age of 14 with the Isle of Wight Volunteer Rescue Squad. Nelms later became a member of the Nansemond-Suffolk Volunteer Rescue Squad, where he served 10 years as an active member. He joined Suffolk Fire & Rescue in 1987 and currently serves at the rank of fire lieutenant.

Nelms is also the most recent recipient of the Department’s Firefighter of the Year award.

In the letters nominating him for the Firefighter of the Year award, Nelms is described as having spent countless hours on and off duty serving the department while going above and beyond the requirements of his position.

He has been a driving force behind a major initiative to update and improve the department’s fire hose inventory, according to the city press release.

Nelms is assigned to Engine 7 in the First Battalion on Shift A. He holds numerous certifications from the Virginia Department of Fire Programs and other agencies.

Nelms also is a founding member and still serves with the honor guard of Suffolk Fire & Rescue.

 

Officer Shane Sukowaski — VFW Law Enforcement Public Servant Citation

Officer Shane Sukowaski joined the Suffolk Police Department on Nov. 2, 2009, and attended the Hampton Roads Criminal Justice Training Academy Class “09C.”

Sukowaski has been assigned to Precinct One Uniform Patrol since completion of field training and is currently attending training to become a canine handler.

He holds many certifications, including General Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Taser Instructor, Field Training Officer, Speed Measurement/Radar and Lidar, Patrol Rifle, and Intoxilyzer Operator. Sukowaski is a member of the Suffolk Police Department Dive Team and is certified in Open Water and Dry Suit.

Sukowaski was nominated for this award for his performance and work ethic demonstrated in 2014, according to the press release. He has distinguished himself as a top performer by his outstanding leadership, critical thinking and exemplary job performance throughout 2014, after which he was selected as the Suffolk Police Officer of the Year.

Sukowaski displayed superior performance and commitment while being the field training officer to two new police officers. He sought out the most difficult cases to investigate to quickly expand the knowledge and training of these new officers.

Sukowaski ensures his new officers rotate to the next field training officer with all required documentation completed. He exceeds the field training standard and provided guidance to one new officer to complete three case files on the last day of training, error free. This would be quite a remarkable feat for any experienced police officer, let alone a new officer.

Sukowaski not only excels at police work and training of new officers but, when faced with life-saving situations, he acts quickly.

On July 14, 2014, Sukowaski and his trainee, Officer Nesbitt, were dispatched and responded to a cardiac arrest call where the pair utilized AED pads and performed chest compressions, which saved the life of the resident.

Both officers were recognized at the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce Valor Awards for their life-saving efforts.

From 2007 to 2009, Sukowaski served in the U.S. Navy where he served on the USS Enterprise and obtained the rank of Petty Officer Third Class. He served in the U.S. Navy Reserve from 2009 to 2011, where he was assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 84 “Red Wolves.”