Detective First Class Amy Gutowski Named 2023 OCPD Officer of the Year
OCEAN CITY, MD – (January 29, 2024): On Saturday, January 27, 2024, the Ocean City Police Department hosted its annual Officer of the Year Ceremony at the Princess Royale. Nearly 160 guests gathered to recognize OCPD personnel and volunteers for their accomplishments in 2023 and named Detective First Class Amy Gutowski the Officer of the Year.
Five community members chose DFC Gutowski as the Officer of the Year. Also nominated were Police Officer First Class (PFC) Corwin Vincent, PFC Mark Cutter, PFC Kevin Herbert, and Corporal Ryan Flanagan. We thank Larry Yates, Tonja Sas, Charles “Newt” Weaver, Megan Alvarado, and Lee Gerachis for meeting with the nominees and selecting the Officer of the Year.
DFC Gutowski is a 13-year-member of the Ocean City Police Department. She has been a member of the Major Crimes Unit for the past two years. Detective Gutowski is known for her tireless work ethic, teamwork, and advanced job knowledge.
In 2023, Detective Gutowski was the primary detective on 35 investigations, including 12 rape/sex assault cases and multiple other complex felony investigations. Detective Gutowski also assisted other detectives and the patrol division with numerous investigations throughout the year.
Detective Gutowski dedicates herself to shaping the future of law enforcement. She serves as a Defensive Tactics Instructor for the OCPD seasonal academy and the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy, as a Taser CEW Instructor, as a Drill Instructor for the OCPD seasonal academy and the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy, and as a Field Training Officer Instructor. Throughout the year, she passes her expertise and knowledge to the officers serving in Ocean City and all the officers attending the academy on the Eastern Shore. DFC Gutowski earned the distinction of the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy Police Instructor of the Year for 2023.
Volunteers of the OCPD Auxiliary Unit were also recognized for their contribution of 1,352 volunteer hours in 2023. Since the Unit’s inception in 1999, Auxiliary Officers have volunteered over 66,000 hours, which translates to a cost saving of over $2 million for the taxpayers of Ocean City. This year, the Auxiliary Officer of the Year award was given to Colleen Douglas. Collen has been an Auxiliary Officer since 2013. In 2023, she led the charge and donated 504 hours.
As part of Saturday’s ceremony, many officers were awarded departmental commendations for exemplary service. The following officers were recognized:
- Meritorious Service: Lieutenant (Lt.) Frank Wrench, Lt. Allen Hawk, and Sergeant (Sgt.) Richard Wawrzeniak.
- Special Commendation: PFC Justin Koser and PFC William Mossop. Two community members, Mr. James Peck and Mr. Michael Hansen from the Comfort Inn Gold Coast, will also receive this award.
- Excellent Performance: Lt. Andrew Yeager, Cpl. Michael Karsnitz (x2), Officer Dylan Harlos, Three members of our Narcotics Division, DFC Kory Moerschel, Custody Officer Jessica Lagas, PFC Mark Cutter (x2), Officer Emma Hamilton-Blackford, PFC Devin Bartrom, Sgt. Joseph Bushnell, PFC Erika Rhode (x2), PFC Yovanny Ramirez (x2), PFC Patrick McElfish, PFC Patrick Keller, Sgt. Kyle Murray and PFC. Terrance Jankouskas
Employees were also recognized for their promotions at Saturday’s event. The following officers were promoted in 2023: Lt. Jeffrey Heiser, Sgt. Shawn Lindsay, Cpl. Benjamin Berry, PFC Hailie Brumley, PFC Anthony Helias, PFC Terrance Jankouskas, PFC Patrick Keller, PFC Justin Koser, PFC Benjamin Panitch, PFC Daniel Richardson, PFC Ryan Walker, PFC Jessica Wieber, Crime Scene Technician Victoria Herbert, and Crime Scene Technician Sara Hetherington.
###
