Herndon Police Promote Officers

Three Herndon police officers received promotions this week for their excellent work in the department.

Lieutenant Michael Berg, Sergeant Lawrence Whitmer, and Corporal Damien Austin were honored in a ceremony this week by a number of local officials, including Police Cheif Maggie DeBoard, Del. Tom Rust and council member Grace Wolf, among other town representatives and police officers.

Learn more about each officer in the bios provided by the department below. They run unedited:

Corporal Damien Austin:  Corporal Damien Austin is a thirteen year  veteran of the Herndon Police Department.  Damien attended Sheppard College, WV, before being hired by the Herndon Police Department in 2000.  He worked the streets as patrol officer until 2004 when he was    selected as K9 officer.  Damien has had two partners, Tommy and Smokey, in his 8 ½ years as K9 unit 602.  Damien holds certifications in many areas to include Breath Alcohol Operator, Field Training    Officer, Basic and  Advanced Accident Reconstruction.    Corporal Austin is the recipient of the Bronze Medal of Valor, a Life Saving Award, and the Smooth Operator Award. 

Sergeant Lawrence Whitmer: Sergeant Whitmer is a twenty-five year veteran of the Herndon Police Department.  Larry attended National Louis University School of Business Management and Northern Virginia   Community College, and   Larry served as a Ranger in the US Army for three years prior to joining the Herndon Police Department.   He began his career in 1988 and served the Town of Herndon as patrol officer.  Larry also was a motor officer for six years prior to his appointment as corporal.  Sergeant Whitmer is the lead Firearms Instructor responsible for coordinating the pistol, rifle and shotgun training for the department.  He is a NRA certified instructor in precision scoped rifle, and he is the agency’s lead active shooter response instructor.  He holds specialized certifications as a Crash Reconstructionist and Motor Carrier Safety Inspector.  Sergeant Whitmer is the recipient of the Commonwealth of Virginia Silver Medal of Valor, the Herndon Police Department Silver Medal of Valor, andnumerous Meritorious Service Awards. 

Lieutenant Michael Berg: Lieutenant Michael Berg is a twenty-seven year veteran of the Herndon Police Department.       Mike attended Northern Virginia Community College.  He served his country in Air Force for four years as a military bomb and drug dog handler.  After leaving the Air Force, Mike was hired by Gallaudet College as a Campus Police Officer.  A year later, Mike was hired by the Herndon Police Department in 1986.  He began his career as patrol officer working his way up to the K9 officer’s position in 1988.  During his tenure as a K9 officer, he had two partners, Bac and Arras.  In 2001, Mike was promoted to the rank of corporal.  In 2003, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and was assigned to the midnight shift.  In 2005, Mike was selected to supervise the     property/training section.  In this position, Mike served as the department’s  quartermaster who was responsible all of the equipment and uniforms for the   officers, the hiring and training of officers, the managing of the property/evidence room, and supervising the Crime Scene Technicians. When time would allow, Mike taught Spanish at various police academies throughout the Commonwealth.  Mike is the recipient of the Commonwealth of Virginia Silver Medal of Valor, the Herndon Police Department‘s Bronze medal of Valor, and numerous meritorious service awards.  In 2010,  Mike was the second recipient of the Phil Farley Chief’s Award for his hard work and outstanding contribution to the department.