The Montgomery County Police Department gave out Lifesaving and Supervisor Awards Thursday morning during a special ceremony.
The event took place at the Public Safety Headquarters in Gaithersburg. Attendees included County Executive Marc Elrich, Council President Andrew Friedson, Chief of Police Marcus Jones and Sgt. Patrick Kepp.
MCPD gives the Lifesaving Award to officers whose actions directly contributed to saving the lives of citizens or other officers.
Among the officers honored were those first to respond in saving the life of Kepp, who lost his legs in an accident during the pursuit of a reckless driver in October.
“I think it’s very important for certainly some sort of a little bit of closure for them, for me, to see and have their efforts, you know, recognized,” said Kepp. “It’s a great close-knit group of people that is with me on all the good days or bad days, days in between.”
Chief Jones called officers Matthew Duerr, Julian Martinez, Nicole Seymour, Diane Burkes and Andre Smith to the stage, alongside Kepp, to present them with awards and commendations.
Duerr, Martinez, Seymour and Burkes were the first to respond to the accident involving Kepp, taking action to save his life. Smith continued pursuing the suspect, who police believe intentionally struck Kepp’s vehicle.
“They’re all incredible friends of mine,” said Kepp. “I’m so lucky and thankful to be here, thanks to those officers out there.”
In total, 38 officers received awards, 11 commendations and two supervisors recognized for their work.
“We appreciate you, we appreciate what you do,” said Elrich. “I know not only do we appreciate it up here but the families of the people that you’ve rescued and certainly feel the appreciation for the work you’ve done.”
