Monday, January 9, 2012; 10 a.m.

Public Safety Training Academy, 9710 Great Seneca Hwy., Rockville

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett and Chairperson of the Montgomery County Council Public Safety Committee Phil Andrews will join U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, U.S. Congressman Chris Van Hollen and Maryland U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein, when they present Montgomery County Police Officer Edward E. Paden Jr., with the Congressional Badge of Bravery Award. Also attending the presentation will be Montgomery County Police Chief J. Thomas Manger and Assistant Police Chiefs Betsy Davis, Russell Hamill, and Wayne Jerman.

Officer Paden is being recognized for the bravery he demonstrated on September 1, 2010, when he responded to the Discovery Channel Headquarters in Silver Spring. Even though he was off-duty, he was in the vicinity and responded to the scene after hearing the police dispatch for an armed suspect with hostages at that location. His initial response, at great personal risk, established vital tactical information.

The Congressional Badge of Bravery Award was created by Congress in 2008 to honor local, state and federal law enforcement officers who have distinguished themselves for exceptional acts of bravery in the line of duty. This year is the first year that the award has been presented. Montgomery County Police Officer Paden is among 20 other law enforcement officers from across the nation to receive this honor.

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Media Contacts: Police Media Services, 240-773-5030
Susan Sullam (Cardin) 202-224-4524 (D.C.), 410-962-4436 (Baltimore), 410-960-2440 (Cell)
Sue Walitsky (Cardin) 202-320-0819 (Cell)
Bridgett Frey (Van Hollen) 202-225-5341 

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