TIMONIUM, MD—The Maryland State Police honored more than 140 individuals at an awards ceremony in Timonium on Wednesday for their outstanding acts of courage, dedication to duty, lifesaving efforts, and humanitarianism. The honorees included Maryland State Troopers, civilian employees from the Agency, allied law enforcement officers, and emergency personnel.
“These individuals are often the first to take action in critical moments, going above and beyond to protect, prevent and provide for those who live and visit our State,” said Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr. “That is nothing short of extraordinary and I’m incredibly proud to be able to recognize each person for their actions.”
Among the awardees was the Maryland State Police Underwater Recovery Team (URT), which received a Governor’s Citation for its work in the search and recovery efforts following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, 2024. Amidst bridge debris, steel, and hazardous materials, the URT spent countless hours recovering the six victims and providing closure for their families.
Trooper First Class Chase Passwaters was also honored with a Governor’s Citation for his life-saving actions on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge last year, when he prevented a woman from taking her own life.
In August 2024, Trooper First Class Karan Desai received a Superintendent’s Commendation for life-saving actions. Desai rescued a driver from a fiery crash after the vehicle they were driving crashed into another vehicle suspected of being driven by an impaired driver. Desai entered the engulfed vehicle to rescue the driver and verify there were no other passengers.
The ceremony recognized personnel from the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office, Baltimore County Police Department, Maryland Natural Resources Police, Montgomery County Police Department, Prince George’s County Police Department, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services.
This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.
Among those honored and pictured above are members of the Underwater Recovery Team. From Left to Right: Corporal Lyle German, Detective Sergeant Justin Updegraff, Commander of the Underwater Recovery Team, Sergeant William Jansen, Corporal Harry Lloyd, Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr., Superintendent of the Maryland State Police, Master Trooper James Price, Sergeant Scott Bell, Corporal Matthew Huntington, Sergeant Adam Matthai, Corporal Colton Davis, Corporal Brian Key and (not pictured) Sergeant Michael Dawson.
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