Governor Patrick Morrisey awarded the West Virginia Medal of Valor to two local heroes, Darrell Lambert from Logan County and Donald Larson from Wetzel County, for their acts of bravery and quick thinking that saved lives in their communities.
The West Virginia Medal of Valor, which was created in 2020, is given to emergency medical workers, firefighters, and law enforcement officers who go above and beyond in the line of duty, often putting their own lives at risk to help others.
“West Virginia’s first responders are some of the best in the nation,” said Gov. Morrisey at the award ceremony. “I was proud to award the Medal of Valor to these two local heroes who risked their lives to save others.”
Darrell Lambert: A Lifelong Volunteer Who Didn’t Hesitate
Darrell Lambert, a 39-year member of the Lake Volunteer Fire Department in Mill Creek, Logan County, was recognized for his heroic actions on February 17, 2021. Though he was off-duty and just driving through the area, Lambert immediately responded when he heard about a fully-involved house fire. He was close to the scene, so he raced there in his personal vehicle, arriving within just a couple of minutes.
When he got there, Lambert noticed an open door and heard a man shouting that his wife was trapped inside. Without even thinking twice, he rushed into the burning house, despite not having any of his fire gear with him. Lambert managed to drag the woman out of the house and to safety, suffering burns to his forehead, neck, and ears in the process. His quick actions likely saved her life.
Donald Larson: A Police Officer Who Stepped Up in a Life-Threatening Situation
Donald Larson, who’s served with the New Martinsville Police Department for over 40 years, received his award for an incredible act of bravery back on January 4, 2008. Larson was responding to a welfare check at a home in New Martinsville when he found two people unconscious inside. The house was filled with dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, but Larson didn’t hesitate. He quickly got the victims out of the house, saving their lives, and then went back in to make sure no one else was inside.
Afterward, Larson went to the emergency room for treatment of carbon monoxide exposure, but his actions helped ensure both victims made it out alive. His courage in the face of danger helped prevent a tragedy that day.
Honoring Local Heroes
Gov. Morrisey praised both Lambert and Larson for their selflessness and courage. “These men truly represent the best of West Virginia—putting their own safety on the line to help others,” the governor said.
Both men were honored with the West Virginia Medal of Valor for their incredible acts of bravery. Their actions serve as a reminder of how lucky we are to have such dedicated and fearless individuals in our communities.
As Gov. Morrisey continues to support the brave men and women who serve West Virginia, he made it clear that these acts of heroism should never go unnoticed. “Darrell and Donald are true heroes, and we’re proud to call them our own,” he said.
Thanks to their quick thinking and bravery, both men will forever be remembered as examples of the courage and selflessness that define the spirit of West Virginia.
