More Than 200 Honored at Maryland State Police Awards Ceremony Including a Local Dispatcher
State of MD - More than 200 people were recognized last Thursday at the Maryland State Police annual awards ceremony held in Timonium. Troopers, civilian employees, allied law enforcement officers, and emergency personnel all received honors for their bravery, dedication, and service to the public.
The honorees were presented with a range of awards, including Governor's Citations, Superintendent Salutes, and the Life Saving Award. Each one represented a story worth telling.
"It is an honor to recognize the sworn and professional staff members of the Department who go above and beyond to serve and protect all Marylanders," said Colonel Michael A. Jackson, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police. "Their stories of heroism, service, and commitment contribute to the legacy of tradition and excellence that shapes what the Maryland Department of State Police represents."
One of the night's biggest announcements was the 2025 Trooper of the Year. The award went to Trooper First Class Thienhom, a graduate of the 154th Maryland State Police Academy Class, currently assigned to the Rockville Barrack.
TFC Thienhom made a name for himself by going after impaired drivers. He racked up 156 DUI arrests last year alone - more than any other Maryland State Trooper since 2013. He has also pursued specialized training in accident reconstruction, DUI and intoximeter certification, and highway gun crime work.
TFC Clay Barnhart received the Captain Milt Taylor Humanitarian Award for his work in the community. Since 2023, he has organized food drives for the College Park Food Pantry, participated in Toys for Tots, raised money for Special Olympics Maryland through the Polar Bear Plunge, and coached youth sports.
Two emergency dispatchers were also recognized for their years of service and exceptional performance under pressure.
Emergency Dispatcher Supervisor Jessica Wilson has been with the Department for 18 years. She manages dispatch operations for both the College Park and Forestville Barracks in Prince George's County - the busiest county in the state. Even with the high call volume and constant pressure, she continues to perform at an exceptional level.
Closer to home, Emergency Dispatcher Lauren Powell of the Salisbury Barrack was also honored. Powell has been with the Department for 19 years and is known for staying calm and professional no matter what comes through on a call. She also volunteers as a member of the Federalsburg Fire Department, a role she has held since 1998.
The 2025 Maryland State Police Civilian of the Year was announced as well. Ms. Diane Riley was honored for nearly 30 years of service to the Department. She started as an emergency dispatcher in 1996, was promoted to dispatcher supervisor, and now serves as the CJIS Systems Officer for the state of Maryland. In that role, she oversees all aspects of the Criminal Justice Information Services, which manages criminal records and access to the National Crime Information Center.
One of the most powerful moments of the evening was the recognition of Maryland State Police teams who responded to the American Airlines Flight 5342 crash last January. The midair collision between the passenger plane and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter was a tragedy that shook the country.
Members of the Underwater Recovery Team, Tactical Medics Unit, and the Office of the State Fire Marshal Underwater Hazardous Device Team received a Governor's Citation for their work on the recovery efforts. These teams worked long hours in near-freezing water with poor visibility and submerged wreckage to recover victims and bring some closure to grieving families.
It was a night full of well-deserved recognition. From a trooper pulling drunk drivers off the road to a local dispatcher answering calls for nearly two decades, each honoree showed what it means to serve this community and communities across Maryland.
