Montgomery County Honors First Responders for Exceptional Service at the 51st Annual Public Safety Awards – Mocofeed

Montgomery County recognized dozens of public safety professionals for their courage, leadership, and dedication in protecting the community during the 51st Annual Public Safety Awards ceremony held recently. The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce cosponsored the event.  

“Without fail, Montgomery County’s public safety professionals stand ready to render aid, even in the most challenging conditions,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-8). “I extend my deepest gratitude to all of them for their service, including the exceptional officers and employees honored during the 51st Annual Public Safety Awards. In Congress, we are committed to fighting for robust federal funding for public safety so these heroes can continue doing their jobs keeping our communities safe.”  

The awards recognize acts of valor, lifesaving service, teamwork, and commitment demonstrated by public safety employees over the past year. The event also highlighted the critical role played by the broader network of public safety partners who support residents during emergencies, including, crisis intervention and emergency management professionals. 

“Montgomery County’s public safety professionals embody the very best of what it means to serve,” said Rep. April McClain Delaney (MD-6). “We honor their heroic acts and the courage and compassion they demonstrate every day in protecting our community. When our residents need them most, they answer the call without hesitation. Their dedication reminds us of our responsibility to ensure they always have the support, resources, and gratitude they deserve.” 

Watch a video of the event here. Annual Public Safety Awards – Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce 

“Every day, the men and women of Montgomery County’s public safety community put service above self,” said Lt. Governor Aruna Miller. “From acts of extraordinary bravery to the quiet professionalism that keeps our communities safe, the honorees represent the very best of Maryland. I am grateful for their courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to protecting our neighbors. Maryland is stronger and safer because of their service.” 

Montgomery County leaders, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Rep. April McClain Delaney, and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller joined County Executive Marc Elrich and County Council President Natali Fani-González at the awards event.  

“Today we recognized public safety professionals who went above and beyond in moments when they were needed most,” said County Executive Elrich. “The stories behind these awards remind us that keeping a community safe requires courage, quick thinking, and a deep commitment to public service. I want to thank each of the individuals honored today and recognize the thousands of public safety professionals across Montgomery County who show up every day ready to protect and serve our community.” 

The event, presented by Montgomery County Government, in partnership with the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, honored:  

• Department of Correction and Rehabilitation (DOCR) 
• Maryland-National Capital Park Police — Montgomery County Division (MNCPP) 
• Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) 
• Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) 
• Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) 

Public Safety Partners: 

• Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) 
• Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) 

During the ceremony, Montgomery County honored employees across multiple public safety agencies with a series of awards recognizing both individual and team accomplishments. 

Gold Valor Award

• Police Officer III, Eric Mercurio, MCPD 

Silver Valor Awards

• Sgt. Gary Guard, MCPD 
• Sgt. Megan Wyatt, MCPD 
• Police Officer III, Christopher Aversa, MCPD 
• Capt. James Leinhauser, MCFRS  
• Capt. Kevin Young, MCFRS
• Firefighters:
  • Stephen Breinich, MCFRS 
  • Levi Freeburn, MCFRS 
  • Kevin Jacobson, MCFRS 
  • Robert Laidlow, MCFRS 
  • Nicolas Manfredi, MCFRS 
  • Joshua Monzeglio, MCFRS 
  • Jonathan Stidham, MCFRS 

• Sgt. Gary Guard, MCPD
• MCPD SWAT Member 
• Lt. Scott Anderson, MCFRS
• Firefighters: 
  • Drake Becka, MCFRS 
  • Jonathan Silberhorn, MCFRS 
• Firefighter / Paramedic Joshua Cooke, MCFRS 

• Capt. Bryan Riley, MCFRS
• Lt. Kyle Holder, MCFRS
• Lt. Aaron Hykes, MCFRS
• Firefighters: 
  • Brian Carpio, MCFRS 
  • Christopher Kain, MCFRS 
• Firefighter / Paramedic Jose Perez-Albela, MCFRS 
• Private First Class Officer, Alan Shifflett, DOCR 

• Five Members of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Evictions Unit including: 
  • Deputy Sheriff III, Taylor Boyd, MCSO 

• Seven Members of the Maryland National Capital Park Police – Montgomery County Division including: 
  • Sgt. Leandra De Los Angeles, MNCPP 
  • Sgt. Chris Wong, MNCPP 

Community Service Awards

• Battalion Chief Ashley Robinson, MCFRS – Inaugural Girls Wired for Fire Camp 

Montgomery County’s DHHS Mobile Crisis Outreach Team members: 

• Cynthia Moya 
• Iman Serkin-Ahmed 

Members of the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS), Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM), University of Maryland (UMD), and Maryland Environmental Service (MES) for the design and implementation of a Mesonet Weather Monitoring System 

• Matt Miziorko, OEMHS 
• Genevieve Cooper, UMD 
• James Hyde, UMD 
• Joey Krastel, MDEM 
• Katherine Lehman, UMD 
• Maria Nikolaitchik, UMD 
• Tyler Pullen, MES 
• Russell Strickland, MDEM
• Patrick Walsh, UMD 
• Joe Whalen, UMD 
• Dr. Sumant Nigam, UMD 

University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) for their partnership with the Montgomery County Police Department, expanding access to higher education 

• Justin Hasty 
• Christopher Swain 
• UMGC President Gregory W. Fowler, PhD 

• Assistant Chief David Pazos, MCFRS, for his wrap around service coordination and multi-agency response when a high-rise residential building with older adult and mobility challenged residents reported CO2 elevation and power loss. 

“Montgomery County’s first responders put their lives on the line each day to protect and serve our residents,” said County Council President Natali Fani-González. “As Council president, I’m committed to listening to the needs of our public safety community and providing our first responders with the resources necessary to do their jobs. The Public Safety Awards are an important way to lift up extraordinary acts of courage, and it’s my honor to participate in recognizing our community heroes in partnership with the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce.” 

Many of the honorees were joined by family members and colleagues who attended the ceremony to celebrate their achievements and service to the community. 

“Each year, the Public Safety Awards give us an opportunity to recognize the remarkable bravery and dedication of the men and women who protect our County,” said MCPD Police Chief Marc Yamada. “These honors reflect more than individual acts of courage. They highlight a shared commitment to service across every public safety agency in Montgomery County. Whether it is an act of valor, exceptional teamwork during a critical incident or years of service that strengthen our community, each award reminds us of the lasting impact these professionals have on the people we serve.” 

The Public Safety Awards ceremony is the largest event of its kind in the region.  

“The Public Safety Awards are a powerful reminder that the strength of our community comes from the dedication of those who serve it every day,” said MCFRS Chief Corey Smedley. “We are proud to recognize the firefighters, police officers, dispatchers, and public safety professionals whose commitment, courage, and teamwork help keep Montgomery County safe. Their service reflects the very best of public safety and the community we are honored to protect.” 

Honorees were nominated and selected by the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation; Maryland-National Capital Park Police—Montgomery County Division; Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service; Montgomery County Department of Police; and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, as well as the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. 

Students from Montgomery County Public Schools who participate in cadet and public safety education programs, such as the Justice, Law and Society program, also attended the ceremony. Their presence reflected the County’s commitment to preparing the next generation of public safety professionals. 

“Every day, our first responders demonstrate professionalism, compassion, and courage in moments that matter most,” said Angela Franco, president and CEO, Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. “Their commitment helps ensure that Montgomery County remains a safe and strong place for our businesses, families, and neighborhoods to thrive.” 

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