Heroes Who Serve: 5 First Responders Keeping Maryland Safe

Maryland is home to dedicated first responders who go above and beyond to keep their communities safe. That’s why Patch and T-Mobile have teamed up to spotlight EMTs, firefighters and police officers who are making a difference every day.

Check out five outstanding Maryland first responders who are making an impact. And if you know a hero who deserves recognition, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate a first responder for a chance to be featured in our Heroes Who Serve series on Patch!

Officer Garrett Hall (Frederick County) — In August 2024, Officer Hall of the Frederick Police Department was honored with the Life Saving Award for his quick, decisive actions in saving a 5-year-old child who had jumped into the deep end of a swimming pool and became unresponsive. After a fatigued lifeguard began CPR, Officer Hall took over, continuing the life-saving procedure until a pulse was detected. His efforts, along with the teamwork of Frederick County Fire and Rescue, ultimately revived the child, who made a full recovery. Read more here.

Master Deputy State Fire Marshal Cory Hurst (Pikesville) — Hurst, Master Deputy State Fire Marshal and Bomb Technician, was honored with a Superintendent’s Commendation for his heroic actions on January 27, 2024, during a multi-vehicle crash on the Bay Bridge. While en route to a bomb squad assignment, Hurst found himself at the front of the crash, which occurred in heavy fog. He immediately assessed the situation and discovered a victim with a completely severed arm. Despite the citizen's initial attempt to apply a tourniquet, Hurst took control of the scene, properly applying his own tourniquet and providing comfort to the victim until EMS arrived. His calm and decisive actions stabilized the patient, and he remained on-site for several hours to continue providing assistance. Read more here.

Officer Carissa Fortin (Gaithersburg) — Officer Fortin of the Gaithersburg Police Department was honored with the Life-Saving Award for her quick and decisive actions during a chaotic emergency on July 30, 2023. Responding to what was initially reported as a shooting, Officer Fortin arrived to find a woman who had jumped from a moving vehicle and was severely injured, with her arm trapped under the vehicle and bleeding uncontrollably. Without hesitation, Officer Fortin applied a tourniquet to stop the bleeding, and when necessary, applied a second one to successfully stabilize the woman. Her calm composure and commitment to saving a life were praised by Chief Mark P. Sroka, who noted that Officer Fortin's actions reflect the highest standards of service and compassion. Read more here.

Michelle Mosher and Shannon Stockton (Prince Frederick) — In 2023, EMT Michelle Mosher and EMT-P Shannon Stockton were honored with a Lifesaving Award at the Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Convention for their quick-thinking and heroic actions during a critical emergency. On September 7, 2022, Mosher and Stockton were part of a team that responded to a call where a juvenile had been struck by a vehicle in Calvert County. Their rapid response and decisive actions were pivotal in saving the young girl’s life. For their bravery, they were also recognized with the J.W. Freesland III Award for Outstanding Performance During an Incident at the Calvert County Volunteer Fire, Rescue & EMS Association Banquet. Read more here.

Sergeant Matthew Titman (Bowie) — Sgt. Titman of the Bowie Police Department was hailed as a hero after saving a teenage boy and his dog from drowning at Centennial Park on May 16, 2024. When a call came in about a dog stranded in the deep end of the pond, Titman, just steps away from the park, raced to the scene. Upon arrival, he found the teenage boy in distress after jumping into the water to rescue his dog. Despite the boy’s panic, Titman acted quickly, removing his gear and diving in to pull both the teen and dog to safety. Read more here.

We’re fortunate in Maryland to have first responders like these working tirelessly to keep us safe. If you know a local hero who deserves recognition, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate them to be featured on Patch!