Several St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office law enforcement officers, corrections officers, civilian staff and county residents were recognized and commended for their service at the 18th Annual Sheriff’s Office Awards Banquet.

For the first time, the Sheriff’s Office awarded Unit Citations to Great Mills High School for their response to a student shooting at the school on March 20, 2018, which took the life of 16 year old Jaelynn Wiley and injured 14 year old Desmond Barnes.

Members of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (Baltimore Field Division), Bay District VFD, Calvert, Charles and Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Offices, FBI, Maryland State Police, and the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office were awarded unit citations during the ceremony on May 18, 2018.

Their supporting actions after the shooting at Great Mills High School went above and beyond the call of duty and were in keeping with the finest traditions of public service.

Sheriff Cameron presented the Wiley family with a Great Mills High School Unit Citation in loving remembrance of their daughter Jaelynn.

Great Mills High School Teacher Jenna Costello was also presented with a Great Mills High School Unit Citation and Lifesaving Award for her immediate and heroic actions in the attempt to save and sustain the life of Jaelynn Wiley. Sheriff Cameron said, “Jenna was Jaelynn’s best possible chance of survival” until Emergency Medical Services personnel could arrive.

Sheriff Cameron presented Deputy First Class Blaine Gaskill with the Bronze Medal of Valor. Gaskill, the School Resource Officer at Great Mills High School responded with bravery and determination, placing himself in grave danger to stop the attack, saving the lives of students and staff.

Deputy of the Year for 2017 was presented to Corporal William Ray. A founding member of the Lexington Park Community Oriented Policing Unit, Ray has been intrinsic in forming the operational solutions to various community and commercial problems. He has been a driving force in establishing partnerships with local schools, churches and many other organizations.

Correctional Officer of the Year for 2017 was presented to Correctional Officer First Class Patrick Britt. He promotes positive interaction with his coworkers, supervisors, community and inmate population.

Civilian employee of the Year for 2017 was presented to Ashely Knight. In June 2017 she was promoted to Patrol Administrative Coordinator. While still learning her new position, she volunteered for numerous additional shifts as a station clerk, including nights and weekends.

Meritorious Action Awards were presented to Corporals Brian Connelly, James Stone and John Kirkner, Deputy Daniel Sidorowic and Correctional Officer First Class Ryan Goodwin.

Lifesaving awards were presented to Corporals Timothy Snyder and Shawn Cathcart, Deputies First Class David Lawrence, Vincent Pontorno, Rozier Steinbach and Deputy Shawn Bowie.

Get to know your candidates! You can find a quick “Q and A” with Sheriff Cameron at RedMaryland.com. You can also read Sheriff Cameron’s responses to the League of Women Voters questionnaire in their comprehensive 2018 Primary Election Voter’s Guide. (scroll down to page 57)