Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey and Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers Lend Their Support

Philadelphia, PA (Sept. 18, 2012) When Philadelphia Police Officer Frederick Buck responded to a dangerous hostage situation, he didn’t know he’d be a recipient of the National Liberty Museum’s Seventh Annual Awards of Valor program presented by local Chevrolet dealers. Officer Buck just did what all heroes do – protect us all with bravery, valor, and spirit.

On Thursday, Sept. 20, the National Liberty Museum will honor Officer Buck along with more than 40 other area police, firefighters and correctional officers at its Awards of Valor ceremony. The event will be located at the National Liberty Museum at 321 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia and takes place at 7pm. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey, Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers and the recipients of this year’s awards will be in attendance. CBS 3’s Investigative reporter Walt Hunter will emcee the event.

The Awards of Valor recipients have stories that are gripping and inspirational, representing the best of what Chevrolet considers “Everyday Heroes.” The honorees epitomize the legion of the region’s law enforcement and firefighters.

Gladwyne Fire Company Assistant Chiefs John Remillard, Michael Swartz, and James 'Chip' McLean will receive a Valor in Emergency Response for their response to a Tropical Storm Lee Water Rescue. After the storm, the Whitemarsh area's fire companies started to work together, running numerous water rescue calls. When one of the rescue boats – Marine 36 from Washington Fire Company – tipped, due to a five foot high raging river with water currents at 40 MPH, the three nominees (Marine 24 from Gladwyne Fire Company) wasted no time in deploying their boat in an effort to save the crew from Marine 36. Having the same size boat as 36, 24 risked suffering the same fate if not careful. 24 was successful in saving the members of 36 and also continued to help the original victims.  The crew of Marine 24 saved six people's lives in just a few short hours.

“These award recipients put their lives on the line to protect all us in the community. They are exceptional,” said Bill O’Flanagan, President & General Manager of Reedman Toll Auto Group, “We want to thank each of the honorees with the proper recognition. It’s humbling to meet these men and women and our local Chevrolet dealers are proud to support the Awards of Valor program.”

“The stories of these brave men and women will be on display at the Museum in our upcoming exhibit,” said Gwen Borowsky, CEO of the National Liberty Museum. “We will have the opportunity to share the upcoming 2012 Awards of Valor exhibit with our more than 60,000 annual visitors.”

The 2012 honorees include stories of extraordinary acts of courage, empathy and meritorious service including: a firefighter rescue of occupants from a dangerous independent living facility fire, a heroic response to a triple homicide and tropical storm emergency response of a rescue boat saving stranded victims and another rescue boat.

About the National Liberty Museum
The National Liberty Museum is dedicated to preserving freedom and democracy by fostering good character and understanding of all people. The museum’s exhibits of glass art – combined with heroes from around the world – inspire visitors to appreciate the strength and fragility of democracy and recognize the role we all play in safeguarding our freedom. The Museum is open 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 6 pm on Sundays. For more information, call 215.925.2800 or visit www.libertymuseum.org

About the Philadelphia Area Chevy Dealers Group
The Philadelphia Area Chevy Dealers group includes dealers located in the Philadelphia area, Delaware, and South New Jersey and is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the Awards of Valor program.  Their involvement with the Awards of Valor program is just another example of this Chevrolet dealer group’s commitment to their communities. This commitment is evident in their many other community activities which underscore the belief that in all lives there are everyday heroes. These heroes can be found in the Youth Baseball and Youth Soccer Leagues which the Chevrolet dealer group sponsors. This program partners a Chevrolet dealer with a local Youth Sports league. These Chevrolet dealers are also supporters of the renovation of the Hunting Park Football Field in Philadelphia, PA. This recreational park unites the neighborhoods of Hunting Park, Nicetown/Tioga and Logan. They are happy to be part of the mobilization to restore the park to its full potential and create a positive place for neighborhood youth.