43rd ANNUAL PUBLIC SAFETY AWARDS - mymcpnews.com...Erika Gonzalez, NBC News4 Anchor Award...

Friday, March 31, 2017Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & County Conference Center

43rd ANNUALPUBLIC SAFETY

AWARDS

Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce

43rd Annual Public Safety Awards Luncheon

@MCCCMD #MCCCPSA


43rd Annual Public Safety Awards Luncheon

is pleased to welcome Aaron Gilchrist and Erika Gonzalez

as today’s emcees.

Aaron GilchristNBC News4 Morning

News Anchor

Erika GonzalezNBC News4

Anchor


AWARDS

P R O G R A M

Montgomery County Firefighters Pipes & Drums

OpeningGeorgette “Gigi” Godwin

President and CEOMontgomery County Chamber of Commerce

Jim YoungChairman, Board of Directors


Welcome & IntroductionSteven A. Robins, Esq.

Chair, Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Public Safety AwardsChair Emeritus, Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce

Presentation of ColorsCombined Montgomery County Public Safety Color Guard

Police, Fire & Rescue, Park Police, Sheriff and Correction and Rehabilitation

National AnthemCaptain Sherry Hohl

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service

Pledge of Allegiance

InvocationPastor Jeanette Cochran

Seneca Creek Community Church

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Remarks

The Honorable Benjamin L. CardinUnited States Senate

The Honorable Chris Van HollenUnited States Senate

The Honorable John Delaney United States House of Representatives

The Honorable Jamie RaskinUnited States House of Representatives

The Honorable Isiah “Ike” LeggettCounty Executive, Montgomery County, Maryland

The Honorable Roger BerlinerPresident, County Council, Montgomery County, Maryland

Award Presentations Public Safety Government Partner of the Year

United States Attorney’s Office for the District of MarylandAccepted by Rod J. Rosenstein, United States Attorney for Maryland

Sponsored by Motorola Solutions, Inc.Presented by Michael Leonard, Vice President, Sales & Service

Mid-Atlantic, Motorola Solutions, Inc.

Public Safety Champion of the Year Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)

Accepted by Lisa Spicknall, State Program Director, MADD Maryland

Sponsored by Fitzgerald’s Lakeforest Toyota Presented by Dorothy “Dottie” Fitzgerald and Jack Fitzgerald

Public Safety Corporate Vital LinkIntoxalock® | LifeSafer® | Smart Start®

Accepted by David Kelly, Executive Director Coalition of Ignition Interlock Manufacturers

Sponsored by TD BankPresented by Terrence S. Kenny, Market President

Metro DC/Baltimore, TD Bank2 3

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Luncheon

Valor and Community Service Award Ceremony

EmceesAaron Gilchrist, NBC News4 Morning News Anchor

Erika Gonzalez, NBC News4 Anchor

Award PresentationsChief Donald A. Deering Community Service Award

Unit Citation: Critical Stress Management Team, Montgomery County Department of Correction and Rehabilitation

Northampton Drive Repeat Offender

Suicide Attempt in Silver Spring

Lifesaving Attempt in Pre-Release Center

Domestic Violence in Germantown

Suicide Attempt in Germantown

Deadly Shooting Spree In Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties

Shooter in Clarksburg

Flower Branch Apartment Fire

ClosingSteven A. Robins, Esq.

Chair, MCCC Public Safety Awards


AWARDS

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The Honorable Isiah “Ike” LeggettCounty Executive, Montgomery County, Maryland

The Honorable Roger Berliner President, County Council of Montgomery County, Maryland

Antonio DeVaul Chief, Maryland National-Capital Park Police - Montgomery County Division

Scott Goldstein Chief, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service

Angela Tally Acting Director, Montgomery County Department of Correction and Rehabilitation

J. Thomas Manger Chief, Montgomery County Department of Police

The Honorable Darren M. Popkin Sheriff, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office

Steven A. Robins, Esq. Chair, MCCC Public Safety Awards

Jim Young Chairman, Board of Directors

Montgomery County Chamber of CommerceGeorgette “Gigi” Godwin

President and CEO Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce

Public Safety Award Presenters


AWARDS

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Gold Sponsors

Platinum SponsorMarriott International, Inc.

Public Safety Government Partner of the Year Award SponsorMotorola Solutions, Inc.

Public Safety Corporate Vital Link Award SponsorTD Bank

General Reception SponsorTotal Wine & More

Meet the Chiefs Reception SponsorPepco, an Exelon Corporation

Silver Sponsors

Public Safety Awardee Guest SponsorEagleBank

Adventist HealthCare

Allied Universal Security

Aronson LLC

Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP

BDO

BGE

Blake Real Estate

BOLAND/Siemens Industry, Inc.

The Bozzuto Group/The Chevy Chase Land

Company

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

Century Distributors

Clark Construction Group, LLC

CohnReznick LLP

Comcast

Dataprise

DAVIS Construction

AstraZeneca/MedImmune

CNAGilbane Building

Company

JLLLee Development Group

Lerch, Early & Brewer, Chtd.

Rodgers Consulting, Inc.

Shapiro & Duncan, Inc.Westat

The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

Public Safety Champion of the Year SponsorFitzgerald’s Lakeforest Toyota

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Silver Sponsors (continued)DELTA Engineers

Architects and Land Surveyors

Discovery Communications

Doyle Systems, LLC/Second Chance Wildlife

Center

DSFederal, Inc.

EagleBank

Federal National Commercial Credit

Foulger-Pratt

GEICO

Goodman-Gable-Gould/Adjusters

International

Havtech

Holy Cross Health

HUGHES, An EchoStar Company

Innovative Business Interiors, Inc.

Intervise, Inc.

Jim and Carol Trawick Foundation

Johns Hopkins University Montgomery

County Campus

Leonard Paper Company

Linowes and Blocher LLP

Lockheed Martin Corporation

Luis Group Management, LLC

Dunkin’ Donuts Baskin-Robbins

Jersey Mike’s Subs

M&T Bank

Managed Care Advisors

Marriott International, Inc.

MedStar Montgomery Medical Center

Mid-Atlantic Federal Credit Union

Miles & Stockbridge, P.C.

Montgomery College (2)

Montgomery County Public Schools

NIKA

Old Line Bank

Pepco, an Exelon Corporation

PilieroMazza PLLC

PNC Bank

QIAGEN

Red Coats, Inc. /Admiral Security/Datawatch

Systems

Rock Spring Centre

Smokey Glen Farm

Strategy and Management Services,

Inc. (SAMS)

Suburban Hospital

SunTrust Bank

T and T Consulting Services, Inc.

TD Bank

The Ezra Company

The Traffic Group

The Universities at Shady Grove

United Bank

United Solutions, LLC

Venable LLP

Verizon

VIKA/Richter & Associates

Visit Montgomery

Washington Adventist University

Washington Gas

White Flint

Windy City Wire Cable & Technology Products, LLC

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THANK YOU!

Bethesda Fire Department

Cabin John Volunteer Fire Department

Chevy Chase Fire Department

Gaithersburg/Washington Grove Volunteer Fire Department

Maryland National-Capital Park Police - Montgomery County Division (3)

Montgomery County Department of Correction and Rehabilitation

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (3)

Montgomery County Maryland Police Department (4)

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office

Silver Spring Volunteer Fire Department

MARCINE GOODLOEEVENT CONSULTANTFor 43 years of extraordinary service to the Public Safety Awards Committee.

DAVID ROLOFFMONTGOMERY COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENTFor taking the official awardee photos for the program book and award ceremony.

PATRICK LACEFIELDDAVID JEOOFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION, MONTGOMERY COUNTY GOVERNMENT For providing awardee certificates.

Public Safety Agency Sponsors


AWARDS

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Adventist HealthCare (2)The Bernstein Companies (2)

Clyde’s Tower Oaks LodgeDiscovery Communications (2)

Elite PersonnelGEICO

Hughes, An EchoStar CompanyRodgers Consulting, Inc.

Shulman RogersSmokey Glen Farm (2)

Sodexo, Inc.Suburban Hospital

SunTrust BankThe Lenkin CompanyThe Meltzer Group

The Universities at Shady Grove (2)The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

VerizonWashington Suburban Sanitary Commission

Westat

BELL FLOWERSFor creating beautiful centerpieces for the event.

CENTURY DISTRIBUTORSFor supplying candy sweets on each table.

Public Safety Table Underwriters

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Jim Young, MCCC Board Chairman Vice President, Corporate Facilities,

Services and Real Estate Marriott International, Inc.

Dusty Rood, MCCC Board Chair-ElectPresident

Rodgers Consulting, Inc.

Georgette “Gigi” Godwin, President & CEOMontgomery County Chamber of Commerce

J. Thomas Manger, ChiefMontgomery County Department of Police

Luther T. Reynolds, Assistant ChiefManagement and Services Bureau

Montgomery County Department of Police

Mark Sheelor, LieutenantMontgomery County Department of Police

Sean Renauer, LieutenantMontgomery County Department of Police

Mary Alice N. Martus, Senior Executive Administrative Aide to the Chief of PoliceMontgomery County Department of Police

The Honorable Darren M. Popkin, SheriffMontgomery County Sheriff’s Office

Mark Bonanno, Chief DeputyMontgomery County Sheriff’s Office

John Bean, CaptainMontgomery County Sheriff’s Office

Scott Goldstein, Fire ChiefMontgomery County Fire & Rescue Service

John Dimitriadis, Assistant ChiefExecutive Officer, Office of the Fire Chief

Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service

George Giebel, Office of the Fire Chief Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service

Antonio DeVaul, ChiefMaryland-National Capital Park Police

Montgomery County Division

Rick Pelicano, CaptainMaryland-National Capital Park Police

Montgomery County Division

Robert Green, DirectorMontgomery County Department of Correction and Rehabilitation

Gail David, CaptainMontgomery County Department of Correction and Rehabilitation

Sherry L. Thompson, Senior Executive Administrative Aide to Director Green

Montgomery County Department of Correction and Rehabilitation

Terrence S. KennyMarket President, DC/Metro

TD Bank

William “Billy” Peel, IIIExecutive Vice PresidentDatawatch Systems, Inc.

James Sweet President

Smokey Glen Farm

Ellen QuinnQuality Programs Management

Northrop Grumman

Marcine GoodloeEvent Consultant

Kathleen StephanLerch, Early & Brewer, Chtd.

Linda EkizianVice President, Membership and Events


Suzanne Catucci Manager of Events


43rd Annual Public Safety Awards Committee MembersSteven A. Robins*, Chair, Public Safety Awards

Partner, Lerch, Early & Brewer, Chtd.


AWARDS

*MCCC Chair Emeritis

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AWARDS

About Public Safety Awards

The MCCC Public Safety Awards Luncheon is an outgrowth of Montgomery County Executive James P. Gleason’s Executive Order, dated April 25, 1974, establishing the official awards program in cooperation with the Montgomery County Chamber

of Commerce.

This program originally provided official recognition to Montgomery County Police Officers and Firefighter/Rescuers and Emergency Medical personnel who have performed heroic acts and community service, which go beyond the call of duty.

In December 2000, the Public Safety Awards Committee welcomed the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Montgomery County Division. In January 2003, they welcomed the Montgomery County Department of Correction and Rehabilitation as part of the public safety awards program.

Nominations for the awards come from field supervisors through official channels to respective department administrations: Administrator, Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service; Chief, Montgomery County Department of Police; Sheriff, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office; Chief, Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Montgomery County Division; and Director, Montgomery County Department of Correction and Rehabilitation. The department leaders then present the nominations to the Public Safety Awards Selection Committee for final determination.

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A Tribute to Montgomery County’s Fallen Officers

Every day courageous public safety personnel dedicate their lives in protecting the people and property of Montgomery County. Unfortunately, each year members of our public safety community are seriously injured and die in the line of duty.

The Montgomery County Public Safety Memorial – the first memorial of its kind

in the County – recognizes the courage and sacrifice of our fallen public safety

personnel. It also provides visitors to the memorial an opportunity to learn

about the manner in which each of the Montgomery County Public Safety

Departments work together. The Memorial honors all of the Montgomery

County public safety agencies including Correction and Rehabilitation, Police, Fire

& Rescue Service, Park Police, and the Sheriff’s Office. The effort to create this

memorial began in 1995 with a dedicated joint public-private partnership.

Visit the Public Safety Memorial adjacent to the lake at the following address: Public Safety Headquarters | 100 Edison Park Drive | Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Montgomery County Public Safety Memorial

S E R V I C E B E F O R E S E L F

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Support the Montgomery County Public Safety scholarship fund

The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation (MCCCF) supports the Public Safety Scholarship Fund at Montgomery College to fund the studies of students who are children of current or past Montgomery County public safety professionals or who are studying to pursue a career in public safety. The Public Safety Scholarship at Montgomery College is your opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students and families who are giving their lives to ensure the safety of our community.

For more information and to donate, visit WWW.MCCCMD.COM/DONATE_NOW

Thank you to the 2017 Public Safety Scholarship Fund donors:

All contributions to the Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) corporation, are tax-deductible.

Georgette “Gigi” Godwin, President and CEO Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce presents a donation to DeRionne P. Pollard, Ph.D. President, Montgomery College.

Christopher CarpenitoCoalition of Ignition Interlock Manufacturers

EAI Security SystemsThe Godwin Family

Neil SimonsPercontee, Inc.

The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

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Awards Criteria

Gold Medal of Valor - This premier award recognizes an act of bravery involving extreme personal risk that is clearly above and beyond the call of duty or an incident of valor that results in serious injury or death. Except in the most unusual circumstances, not more than one gold medal shall be awarded annually to each service.

Silver Medal of Valor - This award recognizes acts of bravery involving great personal risk beyond the call of duty. Bronze Medal of Valor - This award recognizes acts of bravery involving unusual personal risk beyond expectation while performing the usual responsibility. Bronze medals may also be awarded to a member who demonstrates unusual judgment, zeal, or ingenuity during an emergency situation when such an act is beyond that normally expected in the performance of duty.

Honorable Mention of Valor - This award recognizes acts of valor and acts that involve personal risk, unusual demonstration of judgment, zeal, or ingenuity not normally involved in the performance of duties.

Unit Citation - This award recognizes the outstanding collective performances of a unit or units whose professionalism and actions demonstrate excellence in response to a public safety incident.

Community Service - This special award is presented for volunteer dedication and initiative above and beyond the call of duty over a period of time that has affected and benefited the citizens of Montgomery County and beyond.

Public Safety Corporate Vital Link - This award recognizes a commercial enterprise that transforms and advances the mission of public safety agencies in Montgomery County, Maryland, to better able one or more agencies to meet the 21st century challenges that impact the National Capital region.

Public Safety Champion of the Year - This award recognizes an organization that advances the mission of public safety agencies in Montgomery County, Maryland through their advocacy.

Public Safety Government Partner of the Year - This award recognizes a Federal, State or other governmental agency that strengthens Montgomery County public safety agencies through outstanding leadership and collaboration to ensure a positive and integrated response to challenges that impact the National Capital region.

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Public Safety Government Partner of the Year

United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is an outstanding inter-governmental partner to the Public Safety Agencies in Montgomery County, Maryland. Through the investigation and prosecution of a number of complex cases, this public safety partnership has led to the arrest and sentencing

of the most dangerous offenders. The office is headed by United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein.

Mr. Rosenstein and his dedicated staff leverage the full weight of the federal sentencing guidelines that maintains the safety of our community.

Sponsored by:


AWARDS

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Public Safety Corporate Vital Link

Intoxalock® | LifeSafer® | Smart Start®


AWARDS

These three companies manufacture the ignition interlock device for distribution in Maryland. This device prevents drivers from starting the vehicle if a breathalyzer result registers a higher blood-alcohol level than allowed by jurisdictions. This smart technology helps keep

our roads safe. Inspired by the overwhelming response to Noah’s Law, these manufacturers developed a stamp image of Officer Leotta to be placed on every device installed in a vehicle in Maryland. This serves as a constant reminder of a tragedy that could be prevented.

Sponsored by:

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AWARDS

Public Safety Champion of the Year

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)

On December 3, 2015, Officer Noah Leotta was struck by a drunk driver while he was conducting a traffic stop of an impaired driver. He tragically succumbed to his injuries one week later. The legislative agenda of the 2016 Maryland General Assembly Session addressed

accountability for impaired drivers known as Noah’s Law. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) initiated a major lobbying effort within the General Assembly that was responsible for keeping Noah’s Law in the forefront of legislative actions.

MADD mobilized citizens and law enforcement officers from across the State to give testimony and provide letters of support for Noah’s Law. They stopped leadership from killing the legislation that had failed for eight years. It passed in 2016. MADD successfully championed this legislation.

Sponsored by:

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Fitzgerald’s Lakeforest Toyota

FitzMall.com

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AWARDS

All recipients since 1975 of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Public Safety Awards are listed on the MCCC website

www.mcccmd.com/events/public-safety-awards

Valor and Community Service Award Ceremony

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MCCC Public SafetyCommunity Service Award


AWARDS

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Sergeant Sabrina Pirtle


AWARDS

Growing up in a family with 10 kids in an impoverished Milwaukee neighborhood, Sergeant Sabrina Pirtle learned firsthand how the lack of access to a positive environment could impact one’s future. In 2014, Sergeant Pirtle - a 16 year veteran of the Maryland-National

Capital Park Police - founded JEDI Works, Incorporated. The letters of JEDI stand for Just, Educated, Discipline and Integrity.

J-Works encourages young people to help build communities, explore their talents and develop skills to support a sustainable community. J-Works has impacted hundreds of families in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties. In addition to J-Works, Sergeant Pirtle volunteers with the Prince George’s County Court Youth Diversion Program. She mentors teenagers on life skills and career development. When teenagers successfully complete the program, their pending criminal charges are dropped.

Her involvement in JEDI Works and the Youth Diversion program is all done on her own time. Her dedication to create a better environment for our youth has made a positive and lasting difference in our community.

The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is honored to present the Park Police Chief Donald A. Deering Community Service Award to Sergeant Sabrina Pirtle.

Chief Donald A. Deering Community Service Award


AWARDS

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Critical Incident Stress Management Team


AWARDS

The Montgomery County Department of Correction and Rehabilitation protects the public by providing a wide range of constructive and professional correctional services for pre-trial and convicted detainees. In 2012, the Department developed a Critical Incident Stress Management Program. The Program responds to the escalating need to reduce employee workplace and personal stress associated their public safety profession. In 2016, Critical Incident Stress Management Team expanded to consist of twelve members led by Laurie Mombay. The Team provides mental-health first aide to a large group of staff members at the Department. They successfully develop trust with employees who increasingly reach out for help. Nimble and responsive, the team intervenes to help employees deal with their mental and emotional issues in a confidential and safe space. For the positive impact made to strengthen the emotional health of its employees, the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is honored to present a Unit Citation to the Montgomery County Department of Correction and Rehabilitation Critical Stress Management Team.

Laurie Mombay, Program Coordinator

Cynthia BoydLanora DixonAyodeji DurojaiyeLia FelkerPatricia GarveyNickolas KnowltonCarl MandeNorvin ScottAlicia VeneyWarren Wallingford

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Northampton Drive Repeat Offender


AWARDS

On New Year’s Day 2016, MCPD received a call for an assault that had occurred. The victim called in and

stated a man just pulled a handgun on him at the bus stop on Northampton Drive at Avenel Road.

Police Officer III Yves-Didier N’Kodia was working the area as part of the Alcohol Holiday Taskforce. As N’Kodia arrived, the victim immediately pointed out the suspect. As the suspect saw the N’Kodia’s police car, he began running.

The Officer gave chase and caught up to the subject. N’Kodia drew his handgun and gave verbal commands to the suspect. The suspect had his right hand in his pocket and refused to remove it. Despite repeated requests, the subject refused the Officer’s commands. Finally, the suspect removed his hands from his pocket and dropped to his knees.

N’Kodia feared that the man was armed and ordered him into a prone position until backup could arrive. For reasons unknown, the victim approached and began yelling and screaming at the suspect. N’Kodia diverted his attention toward the victim and the suspect seized the opportunity to flee towards a wood line.

N’Kodia again gave chase and caught the suspect. The suspect began to resist and N’Kodia struggled to place the man into custody. At this point, Officer Wengloski arrived to assist N’Kodia place the

suspect into custody. As N’Kodia rolled the suspect over, a handgun fell out of the suspect’s pocket.

The suspect was wanted by the United States Marshall’s Office. He was also on parole from an escape conviction in Washington, D.C. The investigation would reveal that the handgun was stolen from West Virginia. N’Kodia obtained a confession from the suspect that he bought the gun on the streets of DC. Since the suspect is a prohibited felon, this confession was critical to the case.

For repeatedly risking his life by capturing an armed suspect who was a repeat offender, the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is honored to present the Honorable Mention of Valor Award to Police Officer III Yves Didier N’Kodia.

Police Officer III Yves Didier N’KodiaHonorable Mention

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Suicide Attempt in Silver Spring


AWARDS

On June 12, 2016 at approximately 10:32 pm, Deputy Sheriff III Jason Carew and Deputy Sheriff

II Steven McDonald were out serving Domestic Violence orders in Silver Spring when a priority call was dispatched for a suspicious situation. Deputies were very close to the location of the call and arrived on scene within two minutes. Immediately upon arrival, the dispatcher put out an update that the call was being upgraded to a suicide-in-progress with a knife. The Deputies requested restricted air on the radio and attempted to enter the residence, but the door was locked and advised the dispatcher that they would breach the door. Carew kicked in the metal front door. Once inside, the Deputies cleared the front area of the apartment and came to a locked bedroom door in the back of the apartment. Carew kicked the door again. They immediately observed a female sitting on the bed with what appeared to be self-inflicted lacerations to her left wrist and forearm. The Deputies removed her from the bed to search for the knife. At this time two police officers arrived to assist. The Deputies assessed her injuries while still attempting to locate the knife. The knife was eventually found stuffed between the mattress and the box spring, within reach of where she was sitting at the time the Deputies entered the room. In light of the self-inflicted stab wounds, the Deputies completed an Emergency Evaluation Petition. Fire and Rescue Service transported her to the hospital for her physical injuries as well as her

immediate mental health care that she critically needed.

For responding with zeal above the call of duty to prevent a suicide without regard for their personal safety, the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is honored to present the Honorable Mention of Valor award to Deputy Sheriff III Jason Carew and Deputy Sheriff II Steven McDonald.

Deputy Sheriff III Jason CarewHonorable Mention

Deputy Sheriff II Steven McDonaldHonorable Mention

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Lifesaving Attempt inPre-Release Center


AWARDS

On July 30, 2016 at 12:05 am Resident Supervisor III Andre Stepp was informed that a Pre-Release Center

resident in a housing unit needed urgent medical assistance. RSIII Stepp, RSII Alicia Jackson and RSI Sana Jafarzadeh immediately responded. They found a male resident standing, shaking, sweating and experiencing breathing problems. RSI Jafarzadeh was immediately dispatched to contact 911.

Stepp tried to communicate with the resident who was only able to point toward his locker. Stepp immediately searched it and located an inhaler, but it was refused. Responders located his albuterol and assisted the resident with his machine. Stepp left the room to retrieve the resident’s medical records. Jackson remained with the man. She monitored his condition and kept the breathing mask on his face.

Now sweating profusely, the man leaned against the wall, suddenly began convulsing and slid to the floor near the lockers. Jackson immediately called over the radio for a defibrillator and attempted to move him away from the lockers to prepare him for CPR. The resident was unresponsive with an alarming amount of body fluids coming from his mouth and nose. RSII Ababio responded with the AED machine. RSI Jafarzadeh and Stepp followed. Ababio and Jafarzadeh rolled the resident on his back for CPR. Without personal protective equipment and undeterred by the transfer of body fluid, Jackson

and Stepp performed CPR. Emergency personnel arrived on scene and transported individual to the hospital, where he later died.

For their response without hesitation to a medical emergency above and beyond the call of duty and without regard to their personal safety, the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is honored to present the Honorable Mention Medal of Valor to Resident Supervisor II Alicia Jackson and Resident Supervisor III Andre Stepp.

Resident Supervisor II Alicia JacksonHonorable Mention

Resident Supervisor III Andre SteppHonorable Mention

Domestic Violence

in Germantown43rd ANNUALPUBLIC SAFETY

AWARDS

On June 25, 2016, Sergeant Manuel Saponara, Police Officer Brian Holloway, and Officer Luisa Meade

responded to a report of domestic violence. When they arrived, a woman was frantic and explained that she received a call from her sister. The woman could only hear her sister yell, “Help Me.”

The Officers knocked on the front door but received no answer. Since the sister’s car was parked outside, a decision was made to force entry. Officer Holloway kicked in a dead-bolted door. As Sergeant Saponara and Officer Holloway entered, they heard screaming from the back bedroom. When officers kicked in the bedroom door, a half-naked woman in distress fled the room. Both officers faced a psychotic and homicidal male subject. They took him into custody at gun point without injury.

The investigation revealed that the woman’s son was having a psychotic episode. He believed his mother was going to hire someone to kill him. After ingesting rubbing alcohol, he told her he was going to rape and kill her. The victim was able to call her sister, but her son pulled her into the bedroom and began sexually assaulting her. The victim suffered numerous injuries including bite wounds and strangulation marks. She stated to officers that had they not kicked in the doors, her son would have killed her.

For the demonstration of judgement and zeal by kicking in two doors to stop an assault that most likely saved a life, the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is honored to present the Honorable Mention of Valor to Sergeant Manuel Saponara and Police Officer III Brian Holloway.

Sergeant Manuel SaponaraHonorable Mention

Police Officer Brian HollowayHonorable Mention

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Suicide Attempt in Germantown


AWARDS

On August 1, 2016, Montgomery County Police received a call from a distraught mother that

her daughter was threatening suicide. The girl had cut herself and obtained a rope. The mother warned the dispatcher that razor blades were “all over the place.”

Police Officer III Dale Steffen and Police Officer III Michael Riley were the first to arrive. As they approached the daughter’s room, she exited the window to the roof. Police Officer III Bob Hunt arrived and immediately went to the rear of the home. Fearing the girl would jump, Officer Steffen exited the window and climbed onto the roof.

On the roof, the subject walked towards the rear of the home and saw Officer Hunt. She immediately turned and saw Officer Steffen. As the subject began to run to the edge, Officer Steffen ran towards her and was able stop her from jumping. Officer Steffen tackled and handcuffed her. Despite being handcuffed, the girl continued to struggle to jump.

Officer Riley joined Officer Steffen on the roof and both restrained the girl until the Fire and Rescue Service could arrive with a basket stretcher. The girl was lowered to the ground and taken to the hospital.

Police Officer III Dale Steffen faced grave danger as he tackled and restrained a suicidal subject on the roof of a home. The officer and the girl could have been severely injured or killed in a fall.

For risking his own life to save another, the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is honored to present the Honorable Mention of Valor Award to Police Officer III Dale Steffen.

Police Officer III Dale Steffen

Honorable Mention

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On May 5, 2016, a Federal Police Officer named Eulailio Tordil stalked his estranged wife on the grounds of High Point High School in Beltsville. As the two began arguing, a witness tried to intercede. Tordil produced a gun and shot the Good Samaritan. Tordil then

murdered his wife and fled the area.

The Prince George’s County Police Department issued a warrant and attempted to locate Tordil. Based on his police training, Tordil left his cell phone and personal vehicle behind in an attempt to avoid capture. Prince George’s County Police developed a flyer on Tordil to include a possible rental vehicle and distributed the information to local law enforcement.

The next day, on May 6, 2016 at 11:13 a.m., Police Officer III David Kocevar arrived at Montgomery Mall to participate in a Mall Theft Prevention Blitz detail. While parking, Kocevar heard gunshots, exited his vehicle and ran toward the shooting. Tordil saw the Officer and immediately fled in a vehicle. Kocevar gave a lookout and began treating the three wounded victims. Kocevar provided medical materials to a Good Samaritan doctor who was treating one victim and began treating another.

One of the victims told Detectives that he heard a woman screaming. As he came to help her, Tordil appeared and shot his friend. He began to run, but Tordil shot him four times. As he slumped down near the wheel well of a vehicle, Tordil started to approach him. The victim told detectives, “He was coming to finish me off. If the officer wasn’t there, I would be dead.”

Corporal Peter Camp, Police Officers III Aaron Bailey, John Cabala, Arnold Aubrey, Edward “Teddy” Tamulevich, and Lieutenant Michael Ruane responded and provided emergency tactical first aid to the victims before the Fire and Rescue Service arrived. Fire and Rescue were able to save the lives of two of the three victims.

Detectives from the Repeat Offenders Unit heard the lookout and recognized the disturbing similarities with the homicide in Prince George’s County and alerted Homicide Detectives. A possible lookout for Tordil and his vehicle was placed by detectives.

Deadly Shooting Spree in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties


AWARDS

Continued on the next page

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At the Aspen Hill Shopping Center Giant supermarket, Maryland-National Capital Park Police Acting Detective Sergeant Caleb Garcia heard the sound of shots fired in the parking lot. With no regard for his safety, Garcia ran to the parking lot and located a female victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Garcia checked for vital signs and determined there were no signs of life. Detective Garcia quickly radioed the incident into police communications and requested EMS and additional police units.

After numerous Park Police officers and Police units arrived on scene, Detective Garcia coordinated perimeter assignments. He also located and separated numerous witnesses to the homicide. While the information was still fresh in the witnesses’ minds, Garcia instructed them to complete written witness statements prior to the arrival of homicide investigators. It was determined that Tordil attempted to carjack the woman. When she resisted, Tordil shot and killed her and fled to an adjoining shopping center.

The Montgomery County Police Repeat Offenders Unit (ROU) Detectives decided to deploy to the area of the Aspen Hill Giant.

At Northgate Shopping Center, Detective Donnie Oaks picked up on the vehicle Tordil was suspected of driving. Oaks observed Tordil in the Dunkin’ Donuts seated strategically to observe the entrance to the store and parking lot outside. Oaks knew there were too many civilians in the area to engage Tordil in a gun fight.

As more ROU detectives arrived, they formulated a plan to take down Tordil as he returned to his vehicle. Contingency plans were also developed in case Tordil decided to shoot another innocent person. Tordil then entered a Michael’s store. Detectives remained unable to safely arrest him without significant risk to customers. Tordil then moved to the Boston Market and took up a tactical position. ROU Detectives continued to wait.

Finally, Tordil let down his guard and returned to his vehicle. Once Tordil entered his driver’s seat, detectives executed a perfect tactical block and Tordil was pinned in his vehicle. With guns drawn, ROU detectives would now anxiously wait as Tordil finally surrendered.

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For the demonstration of bravery to run towards gunfire and treat wounds to save lives of victims in an unstable scene, the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is honored to present the Bronze Medal of Valor to Police Officer III David Kocevar.

Police Officer III David Kocevar

Bronze

For the demonstration of great judgement in tactical planning to keep the public safe while in the line of fire of a well-trained killer, the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is honored to present the Bronze Medal of Valor to the members of the Montgomery County Police Department Repeat Offenders Unit.

Police Officer III David KocevarBronze

Sergeant Brady ClouserBronze

Corporal Jeffrey RachaelBronze

Detective Donnie OaksBronze

Detective Kenneth HalterBronze

Detective Roger St. LouisBronze

Detective Thomas TippettBronze

Detective Richard VolpeBronze

Detective Charles BullockBronze

Detective Dominic DinisioBronze

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Shooterin Clarksburg


AWARDS

On Saturday, October 1, 2016 at 15:36 hours, Corporal Johnny Beason responded to a priority call.

The caller had been in a dispute with his neighbor who was now walking outside the house with a rifle and had already fired numerous shots.

The first on the scene, Corporal Beason immediately encountered an adult male walking in the driveway carrying a rifle. Beason quickly exited his vehicle, drew his gun and ordered the subject to drop his weapon. Taking cover behind a tree, Beason continued to give the order. The subject refused and became verbally confrontational and fled into a garage.

Beason then observed a woman walking in the driveway, later identified as the subject’s girlfriend. Beason called her over to him behind the tree. The suspect re-emerged now armed with a handgun. Pointing the handgun at Beason, the man yelled profanities and told the Corporal to shoot him. Beason refrained and pulled the woman to safety behind the tree using his body as a shield. He tried to move them away from danger but their path was blocked by bushes. The suspect continued towards them then dropped the handgun to the ground yelling at Beason to shoot him. The suspect armed with a loaded rifle then reached to the ground to retrieve the handgun.

Beason held the suspect at gun point, deployed his Taser with his opposite hand incapacitating him. He fell to the ground and dropped the rifle. Beason quickly moved into a position that prevented the suspect from reaching either weapon. Back-up officers arrived and assisted Beason with placing the suspect in custody.

The handgun and rifle recovered were found to be loaded with a full magazine. The suspect may have attempted to fire the handgun at Beason, but there was no round in the chamber.

For the act of bravery involving great personal risk and the demonstration of judgement and tremendous restraint to save lives, the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is honored to present the Silver Medal of Valor to Corporal Johnny Beason.

Corporal Johnny BeasonSilver

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On August 11, 2016, an explosion and fire at the Flower Branch Apartments took the lives of seven residents. Nearly 40 people were treated at local hospitals and over 70 families were displaced. Absent the heroic and quick thinking actions of public safety

responders, more lives would have been lost.

In the aftermath of this tragedy, the Montgomery County Department of Police and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service identified several initial responders whose actions, within the first 10 minutes of the explosion, typified response “above and beyond the call of duty.”

The actions of these responders established the foundation for what ultimately resulted: an extraordinary exhibition of public safety response where traditional roles and responsibilities were occasionally melded, or exchanged, to maximize life preservation and minimize human suffering.

There is no doubt that the expert and coordinated response of police and fire and rescue saved lives.

For their collective efforts and for having demonstrated quick and decisive decision-making in the face of a chaotic and dangerous scene, the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is honored to present the Unit Citation of Valor to the Montgomery County Department of Police 3rd District Patrol Officers.

Flower Branch Apartment Fire


AWARDS

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DCATSergeant Troy BrennerCorporal Jason HalkoPOIII Jarrett KingPOIII Daniel Fitzpatrick

Shift 3 HenryPOII Maxie Weisz

Shift 7Sergeant Douglas CarrPOIII Christopher SorianoPOII Christopher KemblePOII Patrick KeepPOI Heather HaynesPOI Kevin Crowley

Shift 4 HenrySergeant Paul BandholzPOIII Steven GoldbergPOII Brandi BarberPOII Michael Wengloski

Shift 4 IdaPOII Michael DamskeyPOII Michael HerdaPOI Gregory Pagonis

Shift 4 GeorgePOII Cody FieldsPOII Keven ArguetaPOI Nathan BushPOI Jacob ZaikaPOII Joshua Swecker

While in an off-duty capacity and while facing considerable danger, Police Officer III Jeffrey Hughes risked his life to enter a burning and partially collapsed building to evacuate injured residents. The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is honored to present the Silver Medal of Valor to Police Officer III Jeffrey Hughes.

Police Officer III Jeffrey Hughes

Silver

For their efforts in mitigating disaster in the first 10 minutes of this tragedy, the following officers of the Montgomery County Department of Police are recognized:

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Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service personnel were faced with two buildings engulfed in flames, one of which collapsed in its center. In unison and under extremely stressful circumstances, MCFRS personnel translated rapid decision-making to life-saving actions. No less than three lives were preserved because they engaged their training, experience, instinct, and resources without regarding they too could have become casualties of a tragic event.

For their collective efforts in conducting ladder rescues at a building posing high potential for further and immediate collapse of additional load-bearing walls and other structural components, the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is honored to present the Unit Citation of Valor to these members of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service.

Representing the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service are:

Captain William Cooke (Truck 716)Fire Fighter Rescuer III Enrique Escolero (Truck 716)Fire Fighter Rescuer III David Wakeley (Paramedic Engine 701)

Fire Fighter Rescuer III David Braun

Bronze

Soon after arriving on the scene at Arliss Street and while engaged in initial rescue efforts, Fire Fighter Rescuer III David Braun sustained a significant shoulder injury. Despite considerable pain, his mobility being adversely affected, and these factors not being known to his officer and his crew, Fire Fighter Braun did not withdraw. Instead, he continued to assist with ladder rescues and eventually transitioned, with his officer, to the even more dangerous work of interior search and rescue operations.

In recognition of the great personal risk he faced while significantly injured in a well-involved and structurally comprised fire building, the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is honored to present the Bronze Medal of Valor to Fire Fighter Rescuer III David Braun.

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The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) is the voice of advocacy and the trusted source on policy and best practices for Montgomery County, Metro Maryland, the Greater Washington Region and beyond. Our active membership includes small to

large organizations representing a wide range of industries. Through effective advocacy, programs and events, MCCC positions its members to succeed in business.

SAVE THE DATE

TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2017 MCCC 58th Annual Dinner

Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and County Conference Center

MONDAY, JULY 17, 2017 Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation

Veteran Institute for Procurement Fundraising Golf TournamentLakewood Country Club, Rockville

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017 MCCC 2017 Business Awards Dinner

Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and County Conference Center

To learn more about MCCC membership, programs and events as well as the Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation,

visit www.mcccmd.com

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