TIMONIUM, MD – Maryland State Police revealed their 2025 Trooper of the Year selection Thursday during an awards ceremony that celebrated more than 200 individuals for exceptional bravery, service commitment, life-saving actions, and community service.
The recognition event featured Maryland State Troopers, department civilian staff, partner law enforcement agencies, and emergency responders who received Governor’s Citations, Superintendent Salutes, Life Saving Awards, and additional prestigious honors.
“It is an honor to recognize the sworn and professional staff members of the Department who go above and beyond to serve and protect all Marylanders,” said Colonel Michael A. Jackson, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police. “Their stories of heroism, service, and commitment contribute to the legacy of tradition and excellence that shapes what the Maryland Department of State Police represents.”
Trooper First Class Bryce Thienhom received the top honor as 2025 Trooper of the Year. A member of the 154th Maryland State Police Academy Class, Thienhom works at the Rockville Barrack and has shown exceptional dedication to public safety while advancing his professional expertise. He completed specialized courses in crash reconstruction, DUI enforcement, intoximeter certification, and highway gun crime investigation that enhanced his field performance. Thienhom made 156 DUI arrests during 2024, removing more intoxicated drivers from Maryland roads than any other state trooper since 2013.
Trooper First Class Clay Barnhart received the Captain Milt Taylor Humanitarian Award for his community involvement efforts. Beginning in 2023, Barnhart has spearheaded and joined multiple community assistance programs, including food collection drives for the College Park Food Pantry, Toys for Tots campaigns, Special Olympics Maryland fundraising through the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge, youth sports coaching, and various community gatherings.
Emergency Dispatcher Supervisor Jessica Wilson earned recognition as 2025 Maryland State Police Emergency Dispatcher Supervisor of the Year. Wilson brings 18 years of department experience to her role overseeing dispatch operations for both College Park and Forestville Barracks in Prince George’s County, the state’s most active and challenging jurisdiction. She maintains outstanding performance despite handling high call volumes, complex operations, and continuous pressure.
Emergency Dispatcher Lauren Powell was named 2025 Maryland State Police Emergency Dispatcher of the Year. Powell has served the department for 19 years and currently works at the Salisbury Barrack. She excels in high-stress situations and shows remarkable composure and professionalism during emergency calls. Beyond supporting other barracks, Powell has volunteered with the Federalsburg Fire Department since 1998.
The ceremony also announced Ms. Diane Riley as 2025 Maryland State Police Citizen of the Year, recognizing her dedication, professionalism, and nearly three decades of department service. Riley began as an emergency dispatcher in 1996 before advancing to emergency dispatcher supervisor. She currently serves as Maryland’s CJIS Systems Officer (CSO), managing all Criminal Justice Information Services operations, including criminal record systems and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) access coordination.
Maryland State Police Underwater Recovery Team members, along with Tactical Medics Unit personnel and Office of the State Fire Marshal Underwater Hazardous Device Team members, received Governor’s Citations for their response to last January’s midair collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter. These first responders worked extensive hours in dangerous conditions, including submerged debris fields, near-freezing water, limited visibility, and hazardous materials to recover victims and bring closure to grieving families.
