Montgomery County, Maryland - Police Awards Ceremony Recognized Officers for Meritorious Service
The Montgomery County Police Department recognized officers for meritorious service during a Quarterly Awards Ceremony. While every officer honored considers his/her heroics to be just part of the job, each has a compelling story of putting another person’s life before his or her own.
The Lifesaving Award is the second most prestigious award given by the Department and was given to eight officers. The Lifesaving Award is given to the employees who make a major contribution toward saving the life of another by providing essential medical treatment prior to the arrival of Emergency Medical Service personnel.
4th District Officer Christopher D. Cadigan: On March 28, 2006, Officer Christopher Cadigan responded to the intersection of Emory Road and Georgia Avenue for the report of a disabled vehicle in a parking lot. Officer Cadigan observed a middle aged female sitting in the vehicle who appeared to be sleeping. He observed a black hose protruding from the female’s mouth and the other end of the hose connected to the vehicle’s exterior tailpipe. Officer Cadigan called for assistance from Fire/Rescue and pulled the hose out of the tailpipe. He broke out several windows to unlock the vehicle and allow fresh air inside. Officer Cadigan pulled the unconscious female out of the vehicle and placed her at a safe distance from the vehicle. Fire/Rescue responded several minutes later and transported her to Montgomery General Hospital where she was treated for exposure to the deadly carbon monoxide fumes.
The Award states that: “Officer Cardigan’s courage, resourcefulness and quick response to what is normally a low priority call, certainly saved this citizen’s life.”
4th District Officer Philip F. Meyer and Officer Matthew B. Vendemio: On March 15, 2006, Officers Philip Meyer and Matthew Vendemio responded to an address on Hillsboro Drive for the report of a suspicious situation. When the officers arrived, they discovered an unresponsive female lying on the floor of the residence. After an initial assessment, the officers initiated CPR and continued those life saving measures until Fire/Rescue arrived and relieved them. The female was transported to Holy Cross Hospital where continued resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful and she was regrettably pronounced dead.
The Award states that: “Officers Meyer and Vendemio are to be commended for their quick actions and professionalism while attempting to save the victim’s life.”
1st District Officer Justin T. Brown and Officer Samuel A. Mrvos: On February 2, 2006, Officer Justin Brown and Officer Samuel Mrvos responded to a 911 disconnect call with an open line at a residence on Traville Gardens Circle. When Officer Mrvos arrived, he knocked and a frantic woman opened the door. Officer Mrvos entered the apartment and discovered an unconscious elderly man lying on the floor. During a quick assessment, Officer Mrvos determined that the man was not breathing, but did have a faint pulse. At that time Officer Brown arrived and both officers initiated CPR. Lifesaving efforts were continued until Fire/Rescue personnel arrived and relieved them. The victim was transported to an area hospital where he eventually succumbed to a heart attack.
The Award states that: “Although the ultimate outcome was unfortunate, these officers are to be commended for their efforts and commitment to provide aid to a person in distress. They were calm, compassionate, and professional during a time of great stress and crisis.”
3rd District Officer Edward E. Paden, Officer Brandon E. Pellecchia, and Officer Scott D. Roth: On March 18, 2006, 3rd District officers were dispatched to a shooting that had just occurred on Quebec Terrace. When officers arrived, the scene was quickly secured and Officers Edward Paden, Brandon Pellecchia, and Scott Roth began to assess the victim’s condition. The victim suffered a gunshot wound that was close in proximity to his spine. Officers realized they could be dealing with a spinal injury. Officers Paden and Pellecchia began applying dressing and direct pressure to the wounds in order to control excessive bleeding. Officer Roth assisted by holding and demobilizing the victim’s head and back to prevent further injury. Fire/Rescue transported the victim to Med-Star Hospital, where he underwent lifesaving surgery.
The Award states that: “If it were not for the quick, initial stabilizing actions of these first responders, this victim may have succumbed to his injuries.”
The other award categories included: 4 National Defense Awards, 3 Unit Citations, 15 Commendations, and 1 Supervisor of the Year Award. Two officers who recently received awards from other organizations were also recognized.
Retrieved November 17, 2006 from http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Apps/Police/News/NA_details.asp?NaID=2932
The Lifesaving Award is the second most prestigious award given by the Department and was given to eight officers. The Lifesaving Award is given to the employees who make a major contribution toward saving the life of another by providing essential medical treatment prior to the arrival of Emergency Medical Service personnel.
4th District Officer Christopher D. Cadigan: On March 28, 2006, Officer Christopher Cadigan responded to the intersection of Emory Road and Georgia Avenue for the report of a disabled vehicle in a parking lot. Officer Cadigan observed a middle aged female sitting in the vehicle who appeared to be sleeping. He observed a black hose protruding from the female’s mouth and the other end of the hose connected to the vehicle’s exterior tailpipe. Officer Cadigan called for assistance from Fire/Rescue and pulled the hose out of the tailpipe. He broke out several windows to unlock the vehicle and allow fresh air inside. Officer Cadigan pulled the unconscious female out of the vehicle and placed her at a safe distance from the vehicle. Fire/Rescue responded several minutes later and transported her to Montgomery General Hospital where she was treated for exposure to the deadly carbon monoxide fumes.
The Award states that: “Officer Cardigan’s courage, resourcefulness and quick response to what is normally a low priority call, certainly saved this citizen’s life.”
4th District Officer Philip F. Meyer and Officer Matthew B. Vendemio: On March 15, 2006, Officers Philip Meyer and Matthew Vendemio responded to an address on Hillsboro Drive for the report of a suspicious situation. When the officers arrived, they discovered an unresponsive female lying on the floor of the residence. After an initial assessment, the officers initiated CPR and continued those life saving measures until Fire/Rescue arrived and relieved them. The female was transported to Holy Cross Hospital where continued resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful and she was regrettably pronounced dead.
The Award states that: “Officers Meyer and Vendemio are to be commended for their quick actions and professionalism while attempting to save the victim’s life.”
1st District Officer Justin T. Brown and Officer Samuel A. Mrvos: On February 2, 2006, Officer Justin Brown and Officer Samuel Mrvos responded to a 911 disconnect call with an open line at a residence on Traville Gardens Circle. When Officer Mrvos arrived, he knocked and a frantic woman opened the door. Officer Mrvos entered the apartment and discovered an unconscious elderly man lying on the floor. During a quick assessment, Officer Mrvos determined that the man was not breathing, but did have a faint pulse. At that time Officer Brown arrived and both officers initiated CPR. Lifesaving efforts were continued until Fire/Rescue personnel arrived and relieved them. The victim was transported to an area hospital where he eventually succumbed to a heart attack.
The Award states that: “Although the ultimate outcome was unfortunate, these officers are to be commended for their efforts and commitment to provide aid to a person in distress. They were calm, compassionate, and professional during a time of great stress and crisis.”
3rd District Officer Edward E. Paden, Officer Brandon E. Pellecchia, and Officer Scott D. Roth: On March 18, 2006, 3rd District officers were dispatched to a shooting that had just occurred on Quebec Terrace. When officers arrived, the scene was quickly secured and Officers Edward Paden, Brandon Pellecchia, and Scott Roth began to assess the victim’s condition. The victim suffered a gunshot wound that was close in proximity to his spine. Officers realized they could be dealing with a spinal injury. Officers Paden and Pellecchia began applying dressing and direct pressure to the wounds in order to control excessive bleeding. Officer Roth assisted by holding and demobilizing the victim’s head and back to prevent further injury. Fire/Rescue transported the victim to Med-Star Hospital, where he underwent lifesaving surgery.
The Award states that: “If it were not for the quick, initial stabilizing actions of these first responders, this victim may have succumbed to his injuries.”
The other award categories included: 4 National Defense Awards, 3 Unit Citations, 15 Commendations, and 1 Supervisor of the Year Award. Two officers who recently received awards from other organizations were also recognized.
Retrieved November 17, 2006 from http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Apps/Police/News/NA_details.asp?NaID=2932