VA. State Police Sergeants Honored For Valor and Leadership

Virginia State Police

RICHMOND

Two Virginia State Police sergeants are being recognized today in Philadelphia, Penn.,by the Mid-Atlantic Association of Women in Law Enforcement (MAAWLE). Sgt. Michelle Anaya of the Chesapeake Division and Sgt. Becky G. Curl of the Salem Division are receiving the association’s 2012 Leadership Award and 2012 Award of Valor,

respectively, at an awards luncheon during the 26th  Annual MAAWLE Conference.

 Sgt. Anaya is being honored for her vital leadership and assistance with launching "The Got Sole Project" in Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore. Since its inception in 2010, the non-profit program has helped provide more than 1,000 impoverished, migrant
families with gently worn shoes and socks. Sgt. Anaya got involved
when she was approached by Ms Contreras- Rowe who was looking 

for an opportunity to give back to the local community. Through their determination and compassion, "The Got Sole Project" became a reality and has made a significant difference in the lives of countless children.

A 14-year veteran of the Virginia State Police, Sgt. Anaya currently serves as the Chesapeake Division’s Public Information Officer and also serves as the Virginia State Police Representative for the annual Special

Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run® – which raises funds to support the Special Olympics and its athletes. Sgt. Anaya is a firstgeneration Mexican-American and a graduate of Christopher Newport University. During her careerwith state police, she has also served in the Recruitment Unit and in the Sex Offender Investigative Unit.

Sgt. Becky G. Curl was recognized for her role in apprehending a Franklin County deputy who was wanted by Roanoke police as a suspect in the slaying of his ex-wife. The apprehension involved an exchange of gunfire. 

She is a native of Californina and a decorated military veteran.  While serving in the U. S. Army, Curl moved to Virginia in 1987.  She served in the Hampton Police Dept. before joining the Virginia State Police in 1994.  Since then she has been assigned to the Department’s Chesapeake, Culpeper and Salem divisions.

She is currently assigned to the Salem Area Office and also oversees the division’s Motorcycle Unit.