Freeman First Responder Awards ceremony set Feb. 21

The Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a ceremony Friday, Feb. 21, at Signatures at Bayside to honor the outstanding police officers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians and firefighters who help keep local communities safe throughout the year.

Continuing a 20-year tradition, the 2025 Joshua M. Freeman First Responder Awards, presented by the Carl M. Freeman Companies, will recognize the service and dedication of 14 nominees. Representatives of local towns and public safety organizations, government officials and chamber members will gather to honor these first responders for their acts of service, courage and commitment. 

As chosen by their leadership, the Officer of the Year honorees are: Sgt. Brandon Elliott, Bethany Beach Police Department; Cpl. Christopher Story, Fenwick Island Police Department; Officer Dylan Murphy, Ocean View Police Department; PFC Killian Klopp, Selbyville Police Department; and Officer Matthew Boyd, South Bethany Police Department.

Firefighter and EMT of the Year honoree is Dillon Baker, Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company.

Firefighters of the Year are: Walter Johnson and Greg Tietmeyer, Millville Volunteer Fire Company; and Brendan Stevens, Frankford Volunteer Fire Company.

EMT and Paramedic of the Year honorees are Austen Kauffman, Sussex County EMS; Alfred J. Moore, Millville Volunteer Fire Company; Luke Iseman, Roxana Volunteer Fire Company; Cody Bowden, Selbyville Volunteer Fire Company; and R.J. Senseny, Frankford Volunteer Fire Company.

“The alarm sounds, and it is hard to not immediately think of all these men and women who are leaving their families to spring into action. As the community continues to grow and emergency calls are more prevalent, there is no better time than now to show gratitude and elevate the importance of those responding,” said Lauren Weaver, chamber director.

For more information, go to thequietresorts.com.