Bethany-Fenwick Chamber to present 2013 Joshua M. Freeman Awards Feb. 15

The Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce will honor the outstanding police officers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians and firefighters who help keep southern Sussex County local communities safe all year long.

Representatives of local towns and public safety organizations, the chamber, and its members, will gather Friday, Feb. 15, to honor members of area fire companies and police departments for their work in the community.

The chamber will recognize their exceptional service and dedication to the community at an event to be held at DiFebo’s Bistro on the Green in Ocean View.

“Every day, members of local law enforcement, fire departments and emergency medical services put their own lives on the line to ensure the safety and welfare of the community,” said David Martin, the chamber executive director. “Often, their work goes unnoticed, except by those who benefit from their work firsthand. Once a year, the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce takes the opportunity to recognize these outstanding individuals from local departments and companies who make our local residents’ and visitors’ lives safer.”

Each of the local departments will recognize the heroic actions of these exceptional individuals from within their department. One of the nominees will be awarded the top honor of the annual Joshua M. Freeman Valor Award. This was created and renamed five years ago in memory of the late developer and philanthropist, Joshua M. Freeman.

The chamber event is presented by the Carl M. Freeman Companies and supported by Delmarva Power, Mediacom, Banks Wines & Spirits and Coastal Point

The Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce is a coalition of approximately 800 business members in and around the towns of Bethany Beach, Clarksville, Fenwick Island, Frankford, Millville, Ocean View, Roxana, Dagsboro, Selbyville and South Bethany. For more information, call the chamber at 302-539-2100.