On Friday, October 30, Greenbelt American Legion Post 136 held the 38th Annual Public Safety Awards Program. The Post’s Hofberg Hall was again filled with residents from Greenbelt and surrounding communities to recognize the individual achievements of public servants to become either Police Officer, Firefighter or Civilian Employee of the Year.
Mayor Emmett Jordan opened the evening’s laudatory remarks expressing unbounded community appreciation for police officers, firefighters and civilian staff. “For 38 years, American Legion Post 136 has made sure our first responders hear the words ‘thank you,’ and tonight’s honorees from our Police Department, and the Berwyn Heights volunteer fire and rescue companies show why,” said Jordan. “On behalf of the City Council, I thank them and their families for sharing the long shifts and late-night calls.”
County Councilmember Tim Adam’s Chief of Staff Shevaun Culmer-Reid was present to represent Adams. Adams represents District 4, which includes Greenbelt, on the County Council. Culmer-Reid presented proclamations recognizing the outstanding service and dedication of this year’s honorees and congratulated the award recipients. “We are incredibly grateful for your unwavering commitment, sacrifice and dedication to serving and protecting the Greenbelt community,” said Culmer-Reid, who also thanked American Legion Post 136 for inviting them.
“Every day, our firefighters, police officers and first responders put the safety and well-being of others before their own, often making personal sacrifices to ensure that our residents and families are safe. We must never take such selflessness and dedication for granted.
Occasions like this give us an opportunity to honor those who answer the call to serve. One of tonight’s firefighter honorees is absent because he is responding to a call. Some may see irony in that, but I see a fitting reminder of why he deserves this honor. Even as we celebrate his service, he is carrying out the work we recognize,” said Culmer-Reid. Culmer-Reid congratulated the honorees on behalf of Adams and the District 4 office, and thanked them for all they do to keep the community safe. “We appreciate your service, your sacrifices and your continued commitment to the people of Greenbelt,” she said.
Officer of the Year: Jean-Paul Dang
Greenbelt Police Chief Richard Bowers said Master Police Officer Jean-Paul Dang was selected as the Greenbelt Police Department’s 2026 Officer of the Year for his exceptional dedication, professionalism and outstanding contributions to the Department and the City of Greenbelt. Dang’s citation showed that throughout the year, he demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to service while balancing numerous specialized assignments, including crime scene technician, firearms instructor, field training officer and investigator on the Special Assignment Team. His contributions to major criminal investigations, officer training and operational readiness have strengthened the Department and supported his fellow officers’ professional development, noted Bowers.
Despite these additional responsibilities, Dang also maintained an exceptional level of patrol activity, handling approximately 1,851 calls for service and self-initiated incidents, conducting 198 traffic stops and making 31 arrests, including 22 DUI arrests, the highest number in the Department. Dang consistently demonstrates initiative, leadership and a willingness to take on additional responsibilities wherever needed, said Bowers. His strong work ethic, teamwork and commitment to public safety were said to reflect the highest standards of the law enforcement profession.
Most years the Public Safety Awards have associated stories relating activities supporting community safety while thwarting criminal activities, extinguishing fires and providing emergency medical transport. For the police department, this year’s safety awards program highlighted an example of the potential danger involved in police work. According to Deputy Police Chief Tim White, on Monday, October 12, the Special Assignment Team located and apprehended Karim Joshua Thomas who was wanted in connection with a non-contact shooting inside the Hook & Reel restaurant on January 5, 2026. Dang and his team observed the individual at the Shell Food Mart. When they approached him, he tried to flee and then fought with the officers. He was subdued without injury to him or the officers. His arrest revealed he was carrying a loaded handgun and drugs. “The safe apprehension of this armed and dangerous individual reflects the teamwork and professionalism of our officers. We’re extremely proud of the work they do every day to protect our community,” White said.
Civilian of the Year: Carolina Aviles
Bowers said Carolina Aviles was selected as the Greenbelt Police Department’s 2026 Civilian Employee of the Year in recognition of her outstanding dedication, professionalism and exceptional contributions to the Animal Services Unit. Her award citation showed that over the past year, Aviles consistently demonstrated initiative and leadership by taking on responsibilities beyond her regular duties. In her supervisor’s absence she assisted with daily operations, scheduled staff and addressed residents’ concerns. She also managed the unit’s internship program and coordinated community events: Pooch Plunge, Trunk or Treat and the Labor Day booth. Along with recognizing her support qualities such as her commitment to personal development through crisis intervention team training, she was praised for expanding her knowledge of supervisory responsibilities to better serve the Department. Bowers said, “What distinguishes Carolina is her reliability, sound judgment, compassion and willingness to go above and beyond. She consistently ensures the shelter’s needs are met, supports her coworkers and treats residents with professionalism and understanding. Her genuine concern for animal welfare and her dedication to providing quality service reflect the highest standards of the Department. Her outstanding performance and dedication to the City of Greenbelt make her highly deserve this recognition.”
Berwyn Heights Firefighter of the Year: Landen Morgan
Berwyn Heights Fire Chief B. Ross named Firefighter/EMT Landen Morgan as Berwyn Heights Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) 2026 Firefighter of the Year. Morgan joined Berwyn Heights in May 2025 and worked tirelessly to complete the required certification classes and in-house training necessary to finish the probation process, said Ross. Since then, he has provided countless hours of staffing as a live-in member greatly assisting with maintaining service delivery to local communities. Morgan has taken the initiative to drive the ambulance as well as tiller the ladder truck (steer the ladder truck’s rear wheels.) Both positions require additional training and skills. He is always willing to take on assignments to assist officers and seldom complains about anything. His dedication to the Department is an example to all our members, Ross said.
Morgan’s citation indicates why he is Berwyn Heights 2026 Firefighter of the Year.
Yet, he did not hear accolades about his Berwyn Heights VFD support — nor did he stand with his Department’s leadership, the mayor of Greenbelt and American Legion representatives to receive his plaque along with photo — all to embellish his recognition and provide memories for years to come. But Morgan, ready as he was to join his organization’s leadership, families and friends at American Legion Post 136’s 38th Annual Public Safety Awards Program, was called out to fight a fire. It can be safely assumed this firefighter responded without rancor or hesitation to do his duty, said Ross.
Jordan later encapsulated how important the safety awards program is. “Community recognition is not simply a ceremony,” he said. “It is a public expression of trust, gratitude and partnership that strengthens both our public safety professionals and the communities they serve.”
