Baltimore County Councilman David Marks announced on Thursday he recipients of the Fifth District Citizens of the Year award for 2018.

Councilman Marks created the Citizens of the Year program in 2011 to recognize outstanding community service or acts of valor by residents of the Fifth County Council district, which stretches from Towson to Kingsville.

The Residents of Linwen Way

On Monday, May 21, Officer Amy Caprio was intentionally struck and killed by a vehicle driven by a juvenile burglary suspect in front of 7 Linwen Way in Perry Hall. As she arrived in the neighborhood, she located the vehicle—which had previously been stolen—and followed it to the dead-end of the cul-de-sac where she challenged the driver to exit the vehicle. The juvenile driver opened the door, then accelerated towards Officer Caprio, fatally striking her.

Councilman Marks will name residents of Linwen Way as Fifth District Citizens of the Year in recognition of their heroism that day.

“The neighbors on Linwen Way acted selflessly and heroically during a tragic event in their community,” Councilman Marks commented. “Each of them responded in a different way, but the residents there that day should be recognized as our Citizens of the Year.”

Joy Freedman and Julianne Zimmer

Councilman Marks will also honor Joy Freedman and Julianne Zimmer as Citizens of the Year. Joy Freedman and Julianne Zimmer—along with other leaders such as Darla Feeheley—worked with Councilman Marks and Councilman Tom Quirk to pass “Oscar’s Law,” landmark legislation to reduce animal abuse in Baltimore County. The legislation establishes metrics for sheltering pets.

“In addition to their work on Oscar’s Law, Joy Freedman and Julianne Zimmer have worked tirelessly to improve the county animal shelter and encourage more pet adoption throughout Baltimore County,” Councilman Marks. “They have been champions for the more humane treatment of our animal friends.”