Medina County Safe Communities present awards to first responders for their efforts

BRUNSWICK HILLS TWP. — Medina County first responders received awards for their efforts in keeping the community safe and helping those in need at the Medina County Safe Communities Awards breakfast on Wednesday. Jerry Klue from the Medina Police Department was this year's guest speaker because of his role as a founding director of the Safe Communities Coalition in the county. The coalition encourages safe driving practices and works to prevent crash injuries and fatalities. "The partnership between Safe Communities and law enforcement is powerful because it is rooted in the shared hope that tomorrow will be safer than today," he said. "When education, enforcement and community engagement move together, we don't just reduce numbers. We preserve heartbreak, we preserve futures and we keep families intact." The following first responders were awarded this year: Brunswick Fire Chief Greg Glauner for his life-saving skills initiative. Brunswick Hills Police Officer Michael Pische for OVI and traffic enforcement. Brunswick Dispatcher Keri Quidatano for her efforts as a communications specialist. Brunswick Dispatcher Morgan Sobczyk for her efforts as a communications specialist. Erhart/York Assistant Fire Chief Patrick Barrett for heroic efforts. Lafayette Fire Lt. Andrew Berger for fire safety. Lafayette Firefighter Hunter Randolph for fire safety. Lafayette Firefighter Luke Yuravak for fire safety. Lodi Police Sgt. Shane Sams for outstanding leadership. Medina County Sheriff's Office Deputy Nabil Jawhari for traffic enforcement. Medina County Sheriff's Office Deputy Matt Montgomery for proactive law enforcement. Medina Police Officer Erica Anderson for OVI enforcement. Medina Police Officer Bailey Hagan for traffic enforcement. Medina Township Police Officer Brett Harrenton for traffic enforcement. Medina Township Police Officer Harold Lora for OVI enforcement. Montville Township Patrol Officer Justin Harvey for OVI enforcement. State Highway Patrol Trooper Mahdi Salti for Click It or Ticket and OVI enforcement. State Highway Patrol Trooper Muath Snobar for Click It or Ticket and distracted driving enforcement. Seville Police Patrolman Benjamin Nickerson for traffic enforcement. Valley City Firefighter Darby Sandor for heroic efforts. Valley City Firefighter Aidan Samol for heroic efforts. Wadsworth Police Officer Anthony Merlene for heroic efforts. Wadsworth Police Officer Luke Steinkamp for OVI enforcement. Wadsworth Dispatcher Olivia Culver for her efforts as a communications specialist. Wadsworth Dispatcher Heidi Sonntag for her efforts as a communications specialist. "To our award winners, congratulations," Klue said. "Your courage, your compassion and your commitment have made a difference that cannot be measured in reports or charts. It is measured in lives, in birthdays celebrated, in milestones reached and in families kept whole." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at 330-721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.