The 3rd Annual Washington County Public Safety Awards Breakfast hosted by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce was held June 27th at the Community Volunteer Fire Co. of District 12 Banquet Hall in Fairplay. This breakfast was a time to honor the men and women of Washington County from fire and rescue, emergency services, and police officers who dedicate their lives to safety.

Many of our Long Meadow members hold dual memberships with other stations, serving more than one community. We are especially proud of each member’s dedication and the public safety award they received.

When you see one of these people please take a moment to shake their hand and give them a hearty “thank you and congratulations” for receiving an award. While they may say they were “just doing their job,” we appreciate each one for the job they do and how each serves their community.

Those from the Long Meadow family who received honors have their name in bold:

HERO AWARD (TEAM)

This is being awarded for actions involving a house fire with entrapments on Shinham Road.

The honor award honors an individual or team 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.

Operator Aaron Black (Maugansville Goodwill Fire Co.)
Volunteer Fire Fighter Rachel Hommer (Maugansville Goodwill Fire Co.)
Volunteer Fire Fighter Michael Woods (Maugansville Goodwill Fire Co.)
Volunteer Fire Fighter Jonas Holz (Maugansville Goodwill Fire Co.)
Fire Apparatus Operator Rick Conrad (Hagerstown Fire Department Engine 4)
Fire Fighter David Effinger (Hagerstown Fire Department Engine 4)
Fire Apparatus Operator Charles Shindle Jr. (Hagerstown Fire Department Truck 4)
Fire Apparatus Operator Charles Mundey (Hagerstown Fire Department Truck 4)
Paramedic Joey Muller (Community Rescue Medic 759)
EMT Thomas George III (Community Rescue Medic 759)
Lieutenant Justin Ruppenthal (Community Rescue Service Duty 75)
Battalion Chief Adam Hopkins (Hagerstown Fire Department)
Battalion Aide James Kershner (Hagerstown Fire Department)
Captain Lauren Hopkins (Washington County Department of Emergency Services EMS 18-11)
Fire Fighter Kami Chojnacki (Washington County Department of Emergency Services EMS 18-11)

BRONZE MEDAL OF VALOR

This award recognizes acts of bravery involving unusual personal risk beyond expectation while performing the usual responsibility. Bronze-level recognition may also be awarded to a member who demonstrates unusual judgement, zeal, or ingenuity during an emergency situation when such an act is beyond that normally expected in the line of duty.

In response to a fire on South Potomac Street.

Fire Apparatus Operator Zach Reid
Fire Apparatus Operator Jason Eckstine of Hagerstown Fire Department

UNIT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (FIRE/EMS), Dog Rescue

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

Fire Apparatus Operator Zachary Schmidt – Hagerstown Fire Department, Engine 2
Fire Fighter Corey Sprecher – Hagerstown Fire Department, Engine 2
Volunteer Fire Fighter Adam Semler – Hagerstown Fire Department, Engine 2
Fire Apparatus Operator Cory Lescalleet – Hagerstown Fire Department, Engine 4
Fire Fighter Timothy Cooper – Hagerstown Fire Department, Engine 4
Fire Apparatus Operator Scott Baire – Hagerstown Fire Department, Truck 4
Fire Apparatus Operator Charles Mundey – Hagerstown Fire Department, Truck 4
Fire Apparatus Operator Richard Bolinsky – Hagerstown Fire Department, Truck 3
Fire Apparatus Operator Brandon Higgins – Hagerstown Fire Department, Truck 3
Battalion Chief Adam Hopkins – Hagerstown Fire Department, Battalion Chief 1
Fire Apparatus Operator Roger Otzelberger – Hagerstown Fire Department, Battalion Aide
Chief James Sprecher III – Community Rescue Service Chief 75
Fire Marshal Doug DeHaven – Hagerstown Fire Department Fire Marshall
Fire Marshal 3-22 John Crist – Hagerstown Fire Department Fire Marshall

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

A. Larry Iseminger, Jr. – Funkstown Volunteer Fire Company
Terry Gearhart – Community Rescue Service
Captain Tom Alexander – Hagerstown Police Department

For a complete listing of all honorees, click here.