Six Maryland-National Capital Park Police officers received awards at the 32nd Annual Montgomery County Public Safety Awards Ceremony. Recognizing acts of heroism and community service by public safety personnel, the Public Safety Awards Ceremony is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. More than 1,000 people attended the ceremony including notable public figures such as Lt. Governor Michael Steele, Representative Chris Van Hollen, and County Executive Douglas Duncan.

Officer Alfredo LaPorte was on the Capital Beltway on December 15, 2005, when a woman in an SUV lost control, struck a barrier, careened across three lanes, struck Officer LaPorte's car and another vehicle, and burst into flames. Trapped by the steering wheel and running out of time, Officer LaPorte pulled the woman out of the car with the help of a tractor-trailer driver. For his quick, selfless actions, Officer LaPorte received a Silver Medal of Valor.

Officers Gregory Worsey and Thai Giang evacuated about a dozen people from a burning building on Shorefield Court in Wheaton. Despite heavy smoke, the officers raced to the source of the fire, checked for victims, and escorted people out of the building. For going beyond the call of duty, Officers Thai Giang and Gregory Worsey were awarded Bronze Medals of Valor.

Officer Heather McLaughlin rescued a woman from drowning after she became trapped in the limbs of a fallen tree in a creek at Seneca Stream Valley. Even though she is terrified of water, having almost drowned as a child, Officer McLaughlin waded into the cold, thigh-high water to the woman and held her head above water until she could untangle her clothing and pull her to safety. For her act of bravery, Officer Heather McLaughlin was awarded a Bronze Medal.

Lieutenant Brian Smith and Officer Jeffrey Coe received a Community Service Award for their work in coordinating the NFL/Pepsi Punt, Pass, and Kick Program for area youth. Donating hundreds of their own hours over the last five years, Lt. Smith and Officer Coe coordinate competitions which reach three to four hundred youth each year, instilling confidence, pride, and a feeling of accomplishment in these children.

Congratulations go to all who received awards this year and thanks go to all Park Police members for their dedication, commitment, and service to our community.