Chamber announces honorees for 2026 Joshua M. Freeman First Responder Awards

First responders from Bethany-Fenwick area to be honored at annual Joshua M. Freeman awards ceremony

The Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce will honor police officers, firefighters, paramedics and EMTs from the Quiet Resorts area at the 2026 Joshua M. Freeman First Responder Awards. (Photo courtesy of Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce.)

The Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the honorees for the 2026 Joshua M. Freeman First Responder Awards, scheduled for Friday, Feb. 20 at Coastal Kitchen at Bear Trap Dunes.

The annual ceremony recognizes police officers, firefighters, paramedics and EMTs serving the Quiet Resorts area. Each participating department selects one individual for recognition based on exceptional service. Nominating chiefs and captains may also put their award recipient forward for consideration for the Overall Valor Award.

This year, one of two nominees will receive the Overall Valor Award, which was renamed in 2007 in memory of developer and philanthropist Joshua M. Freeman.

Thirteen first responders will be honored during the ceremony, which is presented by the Carl M. Freeman Companies. Local town officials, public safety leaders, government representatives and Chamber members are expected to attend.

The 2026 First Responder Award recipients, selected by their leadership, are:

Officers of the Year:
PFC Grady Meredith, Bethany Beach Police Department; CPL. Catherine Craft, Dagsboro Police Department; CPL. Emily Truitt, Fenwick Island Police Department; CPL 1 Washington Alava, Ocean View Police Department; Senior CPL. Eric Foskey, Selbyville Police Department; and Patrolman Chase Morris, South Bethany Police Department.

Firefighters of the Year:
Firefighter William Graham, Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company; Assistant Chief Brad Wharton, Frankford Volunteer Fire Company; and Firefighter Marc Bognar, Millville Volunteer Fire Company.

EMTs of the Year:
EMT William Graham, Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company; Special Operations Manager Glenn Marshall, Sussex County EMS; EMT Shelby Marvel, Frankford Volunteer Fire Company; EMT Megan Hudson, Millville Volunteer Fire Company; and EMT Maggie Zweibel, Selbyville Volunteer Fire Company.

“The Chamber membership is grateful for the opportunity to recognize the sacrifice and dedication of the local law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services,” said Lauren Weaver, Executive Director of the Chamber. “What a privilege to be able to share the stories of service and valor and celebrate that with their families, leadership, and peers.”

In addition to the first responder honorees, a Good Samaritan Award will be presented to a community member who stepped in to assist during a time of significant need. The recipient is selected annually by a local first responder company.