by Geoff Fox

Two members of the Hancock Volunteer Fire Company will be receiving silver medals for their heroism during a flash flood last year.

On Thursday, June 4, the Washington County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the 10^th annual Public Safety Awards at the Community Volunteer Fire Company in Fairplay.

Local heroes in Hagerstown and Washington County have been named as recipients of the awards and first responders will be recognized at the breakfast awards ceremony.

Those receiving awards include first responders and volunteers in fire, law enforcement, EMS, telecommunications, and support services.

“The Washington County Chamber of Commerce is proud and honored to recognize the brave efforts of our public safety and health care professionals,” said Chamber President and CEO Paul Frey. “Every day these professionals go above and beyond the call of duty to protect the lives of our citizens and the property of our homes and businesses.”

Frey said it is a pleasure to be able to publicly give them sincere thanks and gratitude for they do on behalf of others, often without public recognition.

Firefighter/Fire Apparatus Operator Ben Hoopengardner, Volunteer Services Oley Griffith of Washington County Division of Emergency Services Boat 20-5, and 1^st Lieutenant Zachary Schmidt were among the group that are receiving the Silver Medal of Valor for their bravery leading to the successful rescue and evacuation of 22 residents and children during a flash flood in May of 2025.

Also in that group are Chief Jacob Altman, 2^nd Lieutenant Keith Cooper, Fire Apparatus Operator Scott Adams of Clear Spring Volunteer Fire Company/Boat 4, Firefighter II -Tech Clay Shealy, Firefighter/Fire Apparatus Operator Kyle Lewis, Lieutenant – Field Operations Chris Fraley, and Coordinator – Volunteer Services Oley Griffith of Washington County Division of Emergency Services Boat 20-05, Boat 20-10, and a raft.