March 12, 2010 was a great day of celebration as MCCC proudly honored acts of valor from Montgomery County’s Department of Police, Sheriff’s Office, Department of Correction and Rehabilitation, Maryland-National Capital Park Police—Montgomery County Division, and Fire and Rescue Services. Held at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, the ballroom was filled with 1000 business leaders, public safety agencies and elected officials who networked and collectively said THANK YOU to agencies who keep Montgomery County safe.
Event Chair Steve Robins set a dignified tone throughout the event and Montgomery County Council Executive Ike Leggett and County Council President Nancy Floreen offered stirring remarks about the vital importance of public safety in our community. The award ceremony commenced with a memorable video produced by Glynn Technologies that captured insightful first-hand accounts of awardees. Dramatic readings of the incidents were delivered by emcees Leon Harris, Anchor, ABC 7/WJLA-TV News and Alison Starling, Anchor, Good Morning Washington, ABC 7/WJLA-TV News. Montgomery County Career Master Firefighter David Yankee received a standing ovation as he received the Gold Medal of Valor. This was only the 14th time that the Gold Medal was presented thirty-six years of PSA.
The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce thanks all of our generous sponsors who made this event possible.
EVENT CHAIR: Steven A. Robins, 36th MCCC Public Safety Awards Chair; Partner, Lerch, Early and Brewer, Chtd
History of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Public Safety Awards Program
The luncheon is an outgrowth of 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 and, in January 2003, welcomed the Montgomery County Department of Correction & Rehabilitation as part of the safety awards program.
Nominations for the awards come from field supervisors through official channels to respective department administration, specifically, 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 & Rehabilitation. The department leaders then present the nominations to the Public Safety Awards Selection Committee for final determination.
Explanation of the Awards
Each year, five award categories are considered. They are:
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.
Community Service – This is a special award 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.