the Rotary Club of Blacksburg meeting.
In 2017, The Rotary Club of Blacksburg established a very special annual award to spotlight Montgomery County’s first responders including its fire, rescue and law enforcement personnel. The First Responder of the Year Award is intended as a tribute to all of the real-life heroes living among us that protect us. The award is to show our gratitude, respect, and appreciation to them.
On Mar. 13, the 2024 First Responder of the Year Award was presented to Nathan G. Delp who has been a member of the Christiansburg Police Department for 15 years, serving in various positions. Officer Delp exemplifies the sacrifice, courage, professionalism, and dedication to service that is a common thread among our first responders.
The President of the Blacksburg Rotary Club, Eric Johnsen, told us that he nominated Delp after serving on a grand jury case that involved five decades of sex abuse on young girls ages 9-14 in a family. The family predator was found guilty and sentenced to two life terms. Serving on the jury took a toll on Johnsen each day as he drove home and thought about all that he had heard. So, he said he just could not imagine the emotional toll on Delp as he worked to take care of these kids in the community and bring this predator to trial. Johnsen said he was proud to nominate Delp for the award. He stated, “It requires strength and compassion to work with abused children.”
Delp spent six years working child crimes cases but admitted that after this trial, he knew it was time to switch to another job in the department. Delp thanked his wife, Leah, for her support and being the “bedrock to share stress.”
Captain Randy Bonds of the Christiansburg Police Department spoke about why Delp was so deserving of this honor. He shared what a trustworthy, hardworking member of the force that Delp has been over the years. When Sergeant Delp came up to receive the award, he was very humble and thanked everyone for the support and honor that has been given to him.
In addition to having his name engraved on the Rotary Club’s First Responder of the Year plaque along with all the other recipients, Delp received his own plaque and $500 to be given to his favorite charity. He has chosen Children’s Trust in Montgomery County to receive the cash award.
