ROCKVILLE, MD — U.S. Senator Ben Cardin and U.S. Congressman Chris Van Hollen (both D-MD) today were joined by Maryland U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein in presenting Montgomery County Police Officer Edward E. Paden Jr., with the Congressional Badge of Bravery Award. The award was created by Congress in 2008 to honor local, state and federal law enforcement officers who have distinguished themselves for exceptional acts of bravery in the line of duty. This year is the first year Congressional Badge of Bravery Award has been presented, and Officer Paden joins 20 law enforcement officers from across the nation in receiving this honor.
On September 1, 2010, Officer Paden was at Discovery Communications’ headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, when a suicide bomber entered the building. Officer Paden, who was off duty that day, was instrumental in ensuring the safety of visitors and employees. Also attending the presentation were Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett, Montgomery County Chief of Police J. Thomas Manger, Chair of the Montgomery County Council Public Safety Committee Phil Andrews, and Discovery Communications Senior Executive Vice President, Human Resources and Global Diversity, Adria Alpert Romm.
“What happened at Discovery Communications that day was a terrorist situation and Officer Paden reacted quickly and efficiently to contain the situation and to save lives,” said Senator Cardin. “Our law enforcement officials and first responders are the people we entrust to deal with life-threatening situations and I am so pleased to be able to honor the individual police officer who put his life on the line to save others.”
“Officer Paden’s actions speak to the very nature of why we created the Congressional Badge of Bravery Award – he acted quickly and selflessly in the face of extraordinary danger and was able to work with first responders to save lives,” said Congressman Van Hollen. “It is an honor to present him with this award and pay tribute to his exceptional work.”
“In the face of danger, Officer Edward Paden Jr. demonstrated calm deliberation and selfless courage,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. “His actions exemplify the bravery and devotion of America’s finest law enforcement officers.”
“Ed Paden displayed a level of courage above and beyond what most people possess. He is a true hero in every sense of the word,” said Montgomery County Police Chief J. Thomas Manger.
“Officer Edward Paden exemplifies the pride and excellence of the Montgomery County Police Department. He has made Maryland proud,” said U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski. “Our first responders are our true American heroes – protecting our homes, our communities and our livelihoods. Each and every day, they courageously risk their lives to keep us safe. We are so grateful for their sacrifice in the line of duty. I am proud to honor Officer Paden for his selfless act of bravery.”
“The bravery and selflessness displayed by Officer Paden, and the other members of the Montgomery County Police Department, Sheriff’s Office, Fire and Rescue Bomb Squad and SWAT team who responded on September 1, 2010 was truly extraordinary,” said David Zaslav, President and CEO of Discovery Communications. “We are so grateful and humbled by the heroic work that Officer Paden and the first responders who work alongside him do every day to keep our communities safe and secure. He is truly deserving of this honor.”
