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On July 21, 2012, the Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad held their 59th Anniversary Installation of Officer’s and Awards Banquet at the Bay District Fire Department.During the awards banquet, Dr. Michael J. Martirano, Superintendent of St. Mary’s County Public Schools, was honored with the 2012 John F. Sobola Memorial Award for Service to the Community.This award was established when John Sobola, a 34 year veteran of the Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad and their longest serving President to date, passed away.He was a shining example of self-sacrifice, not just in his devotion to their squad, but also through the services he provided through other organizations in the community.With John’s sudden passing, the members of the department inaugurated and turned his name in to recognize an individual from the community whose activities have benefited the whole of St. Mary’s County constituency- just as John did throughout his years of service.

This year, Mr. Ken Hicks, President, and Mr. Shawn Davidson, Chief, of the Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad, who co-chair the selection committee, looked at the amazing work accomplished by the leadership and students in the St. Mary’s County Public Schools and stated “The leadership headed by Dr. Martirano has given a sterling example of dedication to our craft and mission of preparing the next generation for their place in the world.”

Dr. Salvatore L. Raspa, Chairman of the Board of Education of St. Mary’s County said, “Dr. Martirano is an exemplary leader and contributes so much to St. Mary’s County and our community and his desire to provide opportunities to students to succeed is exceptional.  We are so fortunate to have Dr. Martirano at the helm of our school system.”

Dr. Martirano is honored to have been chosen as the recipient of this prestigious award on behalf of the St. Mary’s County Public Schools and stated, “The Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad is an exceptional organization that is made up of many tireless and selfless individuals who give of themselves time and time again to provide essential and life-saving services to our community.Knowing many of these fine folks personally, I am honored and humbled to receive this very meaningful and prestigious recognition in memory of Mr. John F. Sobola.”