Press Releases

Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), along with Senators Webb (D-VA) and Warner (D-VA), presented Virginia State Trooper S. Matthew Cochran with the Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery today.  Trooper Cochran responded to an early morning fire on January 9, 2010 at an apartment complex in Hillsville. With the assistance of a Carroll County deputy and a Hillsville police officer, Trooper Cochran began banging on the doors of the apartments to arouse those still asleep. After hearing screams for help, Trooper Cochran entered the burning building without protective gear. Crawling on his hands and knees through intense flames and thick smoke, Trooper Cochran located the woman and carried her outside to safety. All 37 residents were rescued.

“The Congressional Badge of Bravery recognizes Trooper Cochran’s heroic actions, which exemplify the definition of bravery,” said Congressman Griffith. “Law enforcement officers are on the front lines every day, risking their own wellbeing for our safety.  I commend Trooper Cochran for his bravery in the face of danger and thank all law enforcement officers throughout the Ninth District and nationwide for their commitment to serving and protecting our communities.”

“The Congressional Badge of Bravery provides proper recognition for those law enforcement officers who have risked their lives in the line of duty,” said Senator Webb. “Trooper Cochran’s actions serve as an example of the dedicated service of those entrusted with protecting the communities and citizens of our Commonwealth.”

“Every day, thousands of Virginia law enforcement officers like Trooper Cochran place their lives on the line in order to keep us safe,” said Senator Warner. “They perform these duties with courage and honor. But few are summoned to provide the remarkable degree of unselfish, life-saving bravery that was demonstrated by Trooper Cochran, and I join all Virginians in saluting his courage and commitment.”

Congressman Morgan Griffith and Trooper S. Matthew Cochran.

The Congressional Badge of Bravery honors exceptional acts of bravery in the line of duty by federal, state, and local law enforcement officers.  It is awarded by the U.S. Attorney General and presented by the recipients’ representatives in Congress. For more information on the Congressional Badge of Bravery, please visit https://badgeofbravery.ncjrs.gov/.