Lewes Mayor Jim Ford nominated Marsch for the award because, “His daily patrol and performance are among the most active and productive of anyone on the force.”

Marsch, 29, received the award in October. He has been with the Lewes Police department for four years and previously served as an officer with the Bethany Beach Police Department.

“Each month, Officer Marsch is among the leaders of issuing citations and court appearances, while regularly maintaining community contacts during foot patrol,” wrote Ford in his nomination statement.

This year, Marsch was assigned membership on the City of Lewes Hazard Mitigation Team.

As a mitigation team member, Marsch oversees National Incident Management System training and compliance, and reviews and updates the city’s emergency operation plans.

Marsch has coordinated numerous training sessions, completing requirements to make Lewes incident management compliant. As a result, the city would qualify for potential federal disaster relief if needed. Marsch has also been responsible for managing the printing and distribution of an updated Lewes emergency preparedness booklet.

He has also made recommendations to modify the emergency operations plan, coordinated improved communications and radio connectivity with Beebe Medical Center and participated in efforts to promote public awareness about emergency operations.

This year, Marsch has been instrumental in promoting Lewes’ new Neighborhood Watch Program, which enhances community policing.

He has also promoted public awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence; has acted as the suspect in K9 demonstrations, has worked with the department’s school mentoring program and serves as an active Rehoboth Beach fire department volunteer.

Marsch is also studying for an associate’s degree in criminal justice.

The Delaware League of Local Government, established in 1963, is a statewide, nonprofit, nonpartisan association of city, town, village and county governments. The organization seeks to assist and improve local governments through advocacy at state and federal levels.

Source: City of Lewes nomination form