Hagerstown, MD News (5/28/2024) – The 8th Annual Public Safety Awards, hosted by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, will recognize the valor and dedication of local heroes in Hagerstown and Washington County. The breakfast awards ceremony will honor first responders and volunteers across fire, law enforcement, emergency telecommunications, and EMS departments.
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“The Washington County Chamber of Commerce is proud and honored to recognize the brave efforts of our public safety and health care professionals,” said Chamber President and CEO Paul Frey. “Every day, these professionals go above and beyond the call of duty to protect the lives of our citizens and the property of our homes and businesses. It is a pleasure to be able to publicly give them our sincere thanks and gratitude for all that they do on behalf of others, often without public recognition.”
Medal of Valor Awards
The Medal of Valor Awards, presented in gold, silver, and bronze categories, highlight acts of bravery and selflessness.
- Gold Medal of Valor: Master Police Officer Cory Biden of the Hagerstown Police Department is recognized for preventing a suicide attempt in oncoming traffic in July 2023.
- Silver Medal of Valor: Deputy Nikolas McKoy of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office is honored for preventing a suicide attempt involving arson and explosives in September 2023.
- Bronze Medal of Valor:
- Paramedic Zachary Culler of Community Rescue Service and Officer Spencer Nigh of Hagerstown Police Department for treating an assault victim, scaling a ten-foot metal gate, in June 2023.
- Firefighter Liam Harbert, Firefighter Joshua Merani, and Fire Apparatus Operator Charles Mundey of the Hagerstown Fire Department for rescuing an unconscious woman from an apartment fire in August 2023.
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Hero Award
The Hero Award recognizes individuals or teams whose actions have saved or attempted to save a life.
- Officer First Class Mark Morris of the Hagerstown Police Department for treating and saving a man with self-inflicted gunshot wounds in November 2023.
- Deputy Sara Sutton of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office for creating a makeshift arm tourniquet and providing CPR for a man in an ATV accident in May 2023.
- Williamsport Volunteer Fire – EMS, Inc. team and Washington County Division of Emergency Services for responding to a cardiac arrest patient in January 2023.
Unit Achievement Award
This award is given to units demonstrating extraordinary performance and contributions to public welfare.
- Maryland State Police Team: Trooper First Class Matthew Doyle, Trooper First Class Derek Harper, Sergeant Richard Kulina, Trooper First Class Zachary O’Neal, and Trooper First Class Joshua Socks for superior performance and community involvement.
- First Responders to I-81 Fatal Crash: A collaborative response by 38 first responders from various companies who efficiently located and extricated victims from a major accident in September 2023.
- Washington County Department of Emergency Communications: Telecommunications professionals for their swift and precise response to the shooting of a Washington County Circuit Court Judge in October 2023.
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Individual Awards
- Telecommunications Award: Emergency Dispatcher Diane Rosenthal of the Maryland State Police for her dedication and professionalism in emergency dispatch.
- Distinguished Service Award: Trooper First Class Matthew Doyle for his tenacity, work ethic, and commitment to public service.
- Community Service Award: Master Deputy Gerardo Cerda for his continuous service to Washington County, particularly supporting Spanish-speaking residents and volunteering with local organizations.
- Volunteer Achievement Award: Robyn Ford for her contributions to Boonsboro Ambulance & Rescue Service and President Nolan “Jay” Brandenburg of Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Company for his 30 years of service.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: President Mary Jane “MJ” Blickenstaff of Boonsboro Ambulance & Rescue Service, Inc. for over 40 years of dedicated service, and Major Mark Knight of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office for his 39-year career and leadership.
Ceremony Details
The awards ceremony will be held at Community Volunteer Fire Co. of District 12’s Banquet Facility on June 6, 2024, at 7:00 am. Registration details are available on the Chamber Events Calendar at Hagerstown.org.
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About the Washington County Chamber of Commerce
Established in 1919, the Chamber’s mission is to foster a thriving business climate in which its members and community can grow and prosper. With over 640 member organizations representing over 40,000 local jobs, the Chamber supports a wide range of industries.
Story by multiple RFHC contributors.
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