Upcounty Police Officers, Firefighters & Paramedics Honored for Bravery and Service by Local Business Community

Gaithersburg, MD (August 13, 2010) – Over 150 people gathered at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds on Friday, August 13th for the Annual Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce Public Safety Awards Breakfast. “It has been a difficult week for many people with power outages and downed trees, so it was even more inspiring to see so many people come out to support the men and women who keep us safe,” stated Marilyn Balcombe, President, Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce.

At its Public Safety Awards program the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce recognized several members of the City of Gaithersburg Police Department, Montgomery County Police 5th & 6th Districts, Montgomery County Fire & Rescue and Montgomery County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association for bravery, distinguished service and meritorious service. This annual awards program provides the business community with an opportunity to publicly thank those who help maintain the quality of life in the Gaithersburg and Germantown area.

Randy Scritchfield of Randy Scritchfield, CFP and a GGCC Board of Director was the Master of Ceremonies for the event. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Scritchfield asked for all non public safety officials to stand as he read “He Answered the Call” by DKB Sergeant of the Norfolk, VA Police Department. The poem was eloquently read and quoting one of the verses “He went without fear, into the darkness of night bringing comfort to some, to some others light”, was a fitting tribute to the 58 honorees.

“As Senator Garagiola said, it is both important and appropriate --- as a Community --- that we pause to acknowledge those who ‘serve and protect’ us on a daily basis. We should always take every opportunity that we have, both public and private, to do so,” stated Scritchfield.

Government Officials in attendance were District Attorney John McCarthy, Representing Governor Martin O’Malley’s office Kristen Mahoney, Executive Director Governors Office of Crime Control & Prevention, Representing Congressman Chris VanHollen’s office Karen McManus, Outreach & Constituent Services, State Senator Jennie Forehand - District 17, State Senator Rob Garagiola - District 15, State Senator Nancy King – District 39, State Delegate Charles Barkley - District 39, State Delegate Craig Rice - District 15, Montgomery County Council President Nancy Floreen, Montgomery County Councilmember Phil Andrews, Montgomery County Councilmember Marc Elrich, Montgomery County Chief of Police Thomas Manger, Montgomery County Fire Department Chief Richard Bowers, Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department Executive Director Eric Bernard, City of Gaithersburg Mayor Sidney Katz, City of Gaithersburg Councilmember Jud Ashman, City of Gaithersburg Councilmember Cathy Drzyzgula, City of Gaithersburg Councilmember Ryan Spiegel, City of Gaithersburg Councilmember Michael Sesma, City of Gaithersburg City Manager Angel Jones, Deputy Sherriff Darren Popkin, the newly appointed Montgomery County Police, 5th District Commander Luther Reynolds, Montgomery County Police, 6th District Commander Willie Parker-Loan, newly appointed Gaithersburg Police Department Chief of Police Mark Sroka and Germantown Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. Chief Joe Chornock.

Each awardee was presented a citation of appreciation from Representative Chris Van Hollen & State Senator Rob Garagiola; as well as a gift card courtesy of Potomac Pizza. Boy Scouts of America Executive Director of Montgomery County Ben Lacey presented the colors for the event and led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling was the Title Sponsor of the event. For more than 40 years, Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling craftsmanship and care has helped families and businesses overcome the devastating setbacks inflicted by fire, flood and wind.

“We are thrilled to be a part of the safety awards breakfast for another year,” said Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling President Tom Plant. “We’re always gratified to be a part of a ceremony that awards our true heroes in Montgomery County, MD.”

Other Public Safety sponsorships were provided by Adventist HealthCare, Capital Bank, Citizens for Craig Rice, City of Gaithersburg, Comcast Spotlight, Hughes Network Systems, Johns Hopkins University, OBA Bank, Sam's Club, Sandy Spring Bank & The Gazette. The Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce is located at 4 Professional Drive, Suite 132, Gaithersburg, MD. To see photos from the event or to learn more about Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber visit them on the web at www.ggchamber.org.