The Annual Public Safety Awards honor the Law Enforcement, Fire & Rescue and Emergency Service professionals protecting Frederick County. They protect our homes, businesses, schools and families everyday. 

On July 19, 2012, the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce held the first annual Public Safety Awards breakfast to honor Frederick County Fire & Rescue, Law Enforcement and Emergency Response personnel.

Each year we continue the tradition of celebrating Frederick County’s bravest men and women, those who place service before self. These local heroes make sacrifices that keep our businesses, homes and our families safe.

​Nominations are provided by supervisors and co-workers. Winners are selected by an unbiased committee of Frederick County Chamber members.

2018 Public Safety Awards Ceremony Video

2018 Awards & Recipients

Awards presented are based on achievements for the previous calendar year. Not every award will be presented each year. 
 
Gold Medal of Valor
The Gold Medal of Valor is presented to the individual who demonstrates valor in the face of extreme danger. This honoree triumphed in spite of great personal risk, and executed measures not normally required to save a human life. 

• Samantha Foland | Deputy First Class | Frederick County Sheriff’s Office
• Benjamin Eddowes | Firefighter | Frederick County Department of Fire & Rescue Services

 
Silver Medal of Bravery
This honor is awarded to an individual or group that exhibits strength and courage under hazardous conditions with personal risk beyond the call of duty. 
 
Life Saving Award
The award honors an individual or team in Law Enforcement and/or Fire & Rescue, whose actions attempted to save or succeeded in saving a human life. Recipients demonstrate strong knowledge of medical and rescue efforts, quick action, and a commitment to service on and off duty. 

• Matthew Baum | Deputy First Class | Maryland State Police - Frederick Barrack
• Edward Guariglia | Correctional Officer First Class | Frederick County Sheriff’s Office
• James Dodson | Officer | Frederick City Police Department
• Tyler Conway | Captain | Frederick County Division of Fire & Rescue Services
• James Fisher | Lieutenaut | Frederick County Division of Fire & Rescue Services  
• Katrina Gaar | Firefighter/Paramedic | Frederick County Division of Fire & Rescue Services
• Scott Gordon | Lieutenaut | Frederick County Division of Fire & Rescue Services
• Michael Hayden | Firefighter/EMT | Frederick County Division of Fire & Rescue Services
• Kaylyn Ickes| Firefighter/EMT | Frederick County Division of Fire & Rescue Services
• Stacy Lakin | Firefighter/EMT  | Frederick County Division of Fire & Rescue Services
• Jake Patterson | Firefighter/EMT | Frederick County Division of Fire & Rescue Services
• Jeremy Weaver | Firefighter/Paramedic | Frederick County Division of Fire & Rescue Services 
• Edward Wood | Firefighter/Paramedic | Frederick County Division of Fire & Rescue Services

 
Unit Achievement Award
This honor is awarded to any bureau, division, section, unit or squad exhibiting extraordinary law enforcement performance, attention to duty and for an outstanding contribution to the department or to the welfare of our citizens. 

• Sergeant Reed Preece,  Corporal Duane Ertter,  Detective Raymond Bednar,  Detective Sean Carpenter,  Detective Scott Grigsby,  Detective Alexander Mangot,  Detective Katherine Rafter,  Detective Patrick Spevak | Frederick City Police Department

 
Distinguished Service Award
This award is presented to an officer who is distinguished from all others of their rank or position. He or she performs above expectation, demonstrates responsibility and initiated a credible accomplishment in the previous year. 

• Jason Noblick | Deputy First Class | Frederick County Sheriff’s Office
• Clarence “Chip” Jewell, III | Ret. Deputy Chief/Director | Frederick County Division of Volunteer Fire & Rescue Services

 
Meritorious Award - Telecommunications
This award recognizes sustained, exemplary performance by an individual both within and outside the scope of their normally assigned responsibilities. This includes call-taking, dispatching, quality assurance, training and all facets of the 911 center. 

• Tom Ward | ECS2 | Frederick County Emergency Communications

 
Leadership Award
This award recognizes an individual who exhibits outstanding leadership in the field and otherwise. This person demonstrates highly effective action toward achieving positive change as he or she strives to improve the department. 

• Greg Santangelo | Officer | Frederick City Police Department
• Barry Williams | Manager | Frederick County Emergency Communications

 
Civilian Employee of the Year
This award honors a non-sworn employee who promotes a positive image of the department. The winner displays professionalism and self-initiative, as well as superior work and ethical standards. 

• Brandy Keyser | Sex Offender Coordinator | Frederick County Sheriff’s Office

 
Supervisor of the Year
This award recognizes a supervisor who demonstrates leadership, commitment and drive. This person has been highly effective in achieving positive change and has a demonstrated ability to improve their organization. 

• Eric Jacobs | Fire Lieutenant | Frederick County Department of Fire & Rescue Services

 
Medic of the Year
This award is given to a career or volunteer Paramedic or integrated Firefighter/ Paramedic, nominated by his or her co-workers as most deserving. 

• Margaret Nowaczyk | Firefighter Paramedic | Frederick County Department of Fire & Rescue Services

 
Officer/Deputy of the Year (FPD, FCSO, BPD, MSP, FCAC)
This award is given to an officer from each agency who displays outstanding service, initiative, leadership and meritorious action. 

• Brett Welsh | Deputy First Class | Frederick County Sheriff’s Office 
• Adam Matthai | Trooper First Class | Maryland State Police - Frederick Barrack
• Rob Uttermohlen | Animal Control Officer | Frederick County Animal Control
• Gary Cline | Officer | Brunswick Police Department
• Patrick Spevak | Detective | Frederick City Police Department

 
Telecommunicator of the Year
This award recognizes an individual who demonstrates the highest level of performance while on the frontline of call-taking, dispatching and/or supervising, along with demonstrating professional conduct and accepts challenges. They have established the ability to work in high-call volume, priority incidents and communicates with co-workers and outside agencies. 

• Lisa Lanam | ECS2 | Frederick County Emergency Communications 

 
 Career Firefighter of the Year
The individual that encompasses leadership and exceptional work ethic is the recipient of this award. The award winner is one who performed beyond expectations.

• Nathan Twigg | Firefighter | Frederick County Department of Fire & Rescue Services

Probationary Firefighter of the Year
This award is given to a probationary career or volunteer firefighter who best exemplifies the conduct that is required in the profession. This individual continually demonstrates readiness, performance skills, and excellence. 

• Benjamin Eddowes | Probationary Firefighter 1 | Frederick County Department of Fire & Rescue
  Services

 
Volunteer Firefighter of the Year
This award is given to a volunteer firefighter who demonstrates readiness, performance skills and excellence. 

• David Zentz | Volunteer Firefighter, Firefighter II |Frederick County Department of Fire & Rescue Services

 
Outstanding Citizen Award
​This honor is presented to an individual in recognition of efforts to rescue another, save another’s life or for their efforts to improve the safety and well being of the citizens of Frederick County.

• Mike Smith, Chuck Renner, Greg Riddinger | Citizens​

UPCOMING EVENTS

NEW MEMBERS