HENRY COUNTY, Va. (rbs news now) — The Virginia Sheriff’s Association has awarded Sergeant Michael Panos of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office the prestigious Valor Award.

Sergeant Panos was honored for his heroic actions during a life-threatening shooting incident in Henry County on December 2, 2022.

Panos was presented with award on September 25, and the sheriff’s office announced the honor in a Facebook post on October 8.

On the day of the incident, Donald W. Hodges, of Bassett, stopped his 1999 Buick LeSabre on the northbound on-ramp of Route 220 and began shooting at passing vehicles with a hunting rifle.

According to the Virginia State Police, one vehicle was struck but the driver was unharmed.

Hodges then fired at a pickup truck, injuring its driver.

The sheriff’s office said Sergeant Panos, responded within minutes, engaged Hodges with his patrol rifle and neutralized the threat, preventing further harm.

The injured pickup driver was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while Hodges was pronounced dead at the scene.

Panos was unharmed, according to authorities.

“This award is a testament to Sergeant Panos’ heroism, professionalism, and dedication to protecting the citizens of Henry County,” the sheriff’s office wrote in the post.

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