‘A Hero’ and 'A Cop’s Cop’: Chief Vance, Detective Walborn Receive Webb Memorial Awards

Two longtime public servants were honored Wednesday with Craig Webb Memorial Awards for their commitments to Dauphin County.

The Dauphin County Commissioners presented proclamations to Brian Walborn (Police Officer of the Year) and Gene Vance (Fire Service Leader of the Year) at the board’s weekly meeting.

- Detective Walborn (in middle of photo) will retire from Dauphin County’s Criminal Investigative Division in March, having served recently on the county Crisis Response Team.

His career included perseverance to return to work following a serious injury sustained while on duty.

In 2012, Walborn was engaged in a gun battle at Hall Manor with an armed suspect from Philadelphia.

“It means a lot to my brothers and sisters wearing blue out there,” Walborn said after receiving the proclamation from Commissioner Mike Pries. “We’re only as good as the people to the left and right of us.”

- Vance served 50 years with Steelton Fire Department, most recently as chief.

Vance was recognized for his leadership and community involvement, commonly representing the fire department at sporting events and other happenings.

Commissioner George Hartwick called Vance a “pillar” of the Steelton community and a “hero.”

Vance was able to recruit and retain volunteers who proudly served alongside him.

Vance humbly accepted his proclamation, saying, “There are probably many more out there more deserving, but I appreciate the award.”

Walborn and Vance will be among the Webb Memorial recipients honored with plaques in the halls of Dauphin County Public Safety Department in the Schaffner Center.

MEDIA CONTACT: Brett Hambright, Press Secretary, 717-780-6311; bhambright@dauphinc.org.