The Man Behind the Mission
Brad Hughes is a Deputy with the Powhatan County Sheriff's Office in Virginia — and a living testament to the courage of first responders.
On March 17, 2014, Brad was on duty responding to a 17-car pileup on an icy Midlothian Turnpike when a distracted driver lost control and pinned him between two vehicles. He lost both legs above the knee and had to be resuscitated three times.
Brad didn't just survive — he returned.
He came back to law enforcement, went back into the community, and turned one of the worst moments imaginable into a lifelong mission: to honor first responders, educate the public about highway safety, and show the world what it truly means to serve.
Through Faces of Heroes, Brad brings his camera and his story to firehouses, sheriff's offices, and EMS stations across Virginia — giving the public a rare, authentic look at the people who protect them every day.
Behind our lens, our viewers are able to see what it truly takes to be a first responder.
— Brad Hughes
The Journey
The Accident
On March 17, Brad was struck by a distracted driver while responding to a 17-car pileup on Midlothian Turnpike. He lost both legs above the knee and was resuscitated three times.
Return to Service
Against all odds, Brad returned to the Powhatan County Sheriff's Office and began his mission to honor first responders.
40,000+ Students Reached
Brad speaks weekly at schools, fire academies, and law enforcement agencies across Virginia about highway safety and the Move Over Law.
Faces of Heroes Fundraiser
The annual bowling fundraiser supports highway safety education and scholarships for children of first responders.