Medina County first responders presented awards for promoting safety

BRUNSWICK HILLS TWP. — Medina County first responders were recognized for their service to the community during a breakfast and award ceremony at Southwest Baptist Church on Tuesday. Medina County Safe Communities Project Director Mike Metcalf said the event has been put on for 30 years, and an estimated 750 individuals have been recognized over the years. "The stories and the lives impacted and the lives saved behind those 750 individuals, to me, is what makes this breakfast very special," he said. "We hope to do this for another 30 years, but we're super grateful for the past 30 years and for all those that have been involved with this breakfast." State Highway Patrol Lt. Bridget Matt was this year's keynote speaker. She spoke about the importance of traffic safety and said it may sound procedural, but it is actually "profoundly human." "Every life saved on the road is someone's son, daughter, husband, wife, neighbor, co-worker or friend," she said. "Every crash prevented means a family is kept whole. A future is kept intact. A community is kept stronger, and none of that happens by accident." Matt said the ceremony honors achievements like lives spared, reduced fatal crashes and stronger seat belt compliance. "Today is about recognizing you — the officers, troopers, deputies, firefighters and community leaders who go beyond what is required," she said. "It's about shining a light on the heroic actions that so often happen quietly without fanfare, in the dark hours of the night, in the rain and the snow and in the moment when every second counts." The following Medina County first responders received an award this year: Brunswick communication specialist Jamie Dales for critical decision-making skills during an Amber Alert. Brunswick communication specialist Rebecca Dembowski for critical decision-making skills during an Amber Alert. Brunswick police Officer Dominick DeMedal for outstanding community safety. Brunswick police Officer Robert Dugan III for outstanding community safety. Brunswick police Officer Kyle Flagg for outstanding community safety. Brunswick Sgt. Kevin Scullin for outstanding community safety. Brunswick Hills police patrol Officer Michael Pische for traffic law enforcement. Brunswick Hills police Officer Heather Stask for traffic law enforcement. Medina County Sheriff's Office Sgt. David McGurk for OVI enforcement. Medina County Sheriff's Office deputy Nate Yarborogh for traffic law enforcement. Medina police officer Erica Anderson for Click It or Ticket. Medina police dispatcher Jennifer Kehoe for dispatch during an Amber Alert. Medina police dispatcher Ashley Pesata for dispatch during an Amber Alert. Medina police Sgt. Patrick Sloan for outstanding leadership. Medina Township police Officer Brett Harrenton for traffic law enforcement. Medina Township police Officer Harold Lora for OVI enforcement. Montville Township patrol Officer Justin Harvey for OVI enforcement. Montville Township patrol Officer Christian Sheers for traffic law enforcement. State Highway Patrol Trooper Lewis Marino for heroic efforts. State Highway Patrol Trooper Daniel Telehany for distracted driving enforcement. Wadsworth police Officer Grant Rospert for traffic law enforcement. Hinckley firefighter Andrew Hudak for fire safety and EMS. Valley City firefighter Kevin Laux for fire safety and EMS. Valley City firefighter Will O'Connor-Myers for fire safety and EMS. Valley City firefighter Hope Sawyer for fire safety and EMS. "To those of you being honored here today, you represent the very best of us," Matt said. "Your courage reminds us that heroism is not just about grand gestures. It's about consistent action, choosing day after day to protect the lives we never meet." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.