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Maryland Police Officer Wins EPA Partnership Award

Release Date: 9/29/1999
Contact Information: Roy Seneca (215) 814-5567

Roy Seneca (215) 814-5567

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency presented its prestigious Partnership Award to Harford County police officer Clarence Ross, Jr. for his contributions to the nation’s chemical emergency preparedness programs. One of 11 award winners nationwide, Ross was recognized during EPA’s tenth Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention conference and award ceremony here on
Sept. 22.

EPA’s mid-Atlantic region presents the partnership awards to companies, organizations or individuals who demonstrate exceptional creativity or innovation in state or local chemical emergency preparedness.

Nominated by the state of Maryland’s Harford County Emergency Operations, Ross was selected for his diverse contributions in maintaining a high level of safety in the local community. A corporal in the county’s sheriff’s office, Ross concentrates his efforts on emergency operations and environmental enforcement. He is the first-line contact for all of Harford County’s chemical spills and releases.

"This award symbolizes a special brand of dedication to environmental health and safety in local communities," said W. Michael McCabe, EPA regional administrator.

Ross doesn’t stop at his fulltime police job. He’s a volunteer firefighter, a mentor for police recruits and an environmental educator who travels with displays to educate community members on safety and preparedness issues.

EPA also praised Ross for his participation in the development of the nation’s first-ever terrorism training tape geared towards preparing the 120 most populated cities in the United States for the threat of terrorist attack.