EPD Law Enforcement Awards Ceremony for Silver Alert Response
Elkins Police Chief Travis Bennett will present Lifesaving Awards and decorations to officers from the Elkins Police Department and the West Virginia State Police. The ceremony recognizes their exceptional actions in the successful response to a June 2025 Silver Alert.
Awards to be given out:
- Life Saving Medal – Senior Patrolman Dylan Coffman
- Letter of Commendation – Patrolman Seth Davis
- Letter of Appreciation – Senior Trooper Anthony Petrella
Who will be in attendance:
- Chief Travis Bennett, Elkins Police Department
- Senior Patrolman D. Coffman, Elkins Police Department
- Senior Trooper Anthony Petrella, Elkins Police Department
- Patrolman Seth Davis, Elkins Police Department
- Officers from the West Virginia State Police
- City Officials, fellow officers, family, and community members
WHEN: Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. during the Elkins City Council Meeting
WHERE: Phil Gainer Community Center Gymnasium, 142 Robert E. Lee Ave. Ext., Elkins, WV 26241
Note: The location has been moved to the gym to accommodate a large audience.
MEDIA NOTES:
- Visuals: Chief Bennett will have a display of medals available for photography. The ceremony will feature officers in uniform receiving awards.
- Setup and Staging: Chief Bennett will be available on-site early to assist with camera blocking and angles to ensure optimal visibility for both the live stream and media cameras.
- Background Information: Full context and details on the incident are available in the original press release: https://cityofelkinswv.gov/epd-response-silver-alert-june-2025/
- Agenda for tomorrow’s council meeting: https://elkinswv.portal.civicclerk.com/event/558/files/agenda/1389

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