The Northern Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce presented Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks Park Ranger, Matthew Grey the Park Ranger of the Year award at the 26th Annual Community Safety Awards on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at Michael’s 8th Avenue in Glen Burnie. On June 12, 2011 at 5:47 p.m. a fast moving, severe thunderstorm moved towards Fort Smallwood Park. Park Rangers surveyed the park to check the safety of the visitors. As park rangers approached the Fort Smallwood Park fishing pier area a patron ran towards the rangers and stated a man was down on the pier and had possibly been struck by lightening.
When Ranger Grey arrived at the far end of the pier he found a male subject lying on the pier unconscious and unresponsive. Another fisherman had begun CPR so Ranger Grey immediately called 911 and then took over CPR duty. Ranger Grey proceeded to perform CPR for approximately 10 minutes until the arrival of AACo Fire Department. He assisted EMS moving the victim to the ambulance. The victim was then transported to Shock Trauma in Baltimore, Maryland.
During this rescue the weather conditions were extremely poor with driving rain, wind and lightening. Ranger Grey and the fisherman went beyond the call of duty to save the life of the male victim. At the Safety Awards presentation, Matthew Grey received a Park Ranger of the Year commemorative award, along with a plaque that will be displayed at the Recreation and Parks administration office in Annapolis. Recreation and Parks, Director, Rick Anthony and staff commend Ranger Matthew Grey on his unwavering courage, bravery, and loyalty. Please join us in congratulating Matt on being awarded Park Ranger of the Year by the Northern Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce. | 
