Helping hands | Maryland Gazette (HometownGlenBurnie.com)

Christina Adamitis, a hairstylist, was driving down the highway when she saw the car plow into the father and son as they changed a tire on the side of Route 10.

Within seconds, however, both people were out of their cars and on the streets - providing critical first aid and comfort to the two as they lay bleeding and near death.

"It was unfortunate I was hit, but it was fortunate that they were there," said John Dick Jr., of Pasadena, who lost his right leg in the wreck. His son, Tyler, lost his left leg.

"Because of them being there, I am here today," Mr. Dick said.

State's Attorney Frank Weathersbee honored Capt. Goetz, Ms. Adamitis and a dozen other Good Samaritans and county employees Wednesday as part of the county's annual Victims' Rights' Week awards ceremony.

"We want to honor people in our community who have shown a commitment to caring for victims with skill and compassion," said Mr. Weathersbee. "The awards we present today honor those who have made a difference in the lives of victims and in our communities."

The over-arching theme of this week's ceremony was those who help victims of traffic wrecks.

Cheryl Tyiska, the director of Victim-Witness Services at the State's Attorney's Office, explained the departure of one of the office's primary prosecutors of vehicular homicides got the staff talking about the effect the crimes have on people.

From there, Ms. Tyiska said, the office decided to recognize former Assistant State's Attorney Shelly Glenn, who left the county office in February for a job with the Office of the Maryland State Prosecutor, and the county Police Department's Traffic Safety Division, which investigates most of the county's major traffic wrecks and traffic fatalities.

"Simply put, these guys can reconstruct crashes other cops can't," said Ms. Glenn, who presented the seven-member division their citations.

Sgt. David Ennis, who heads the division, said he was "truly humbled" by the recognition, but he stressed they don't do the job for the awards.

"We do this to bring closure for the victim's family. To answer their questions about what happened to their loved one," he said.

Likewise, Capt. Goetz - who used a tire iron to apply a tourniq-uet to Mr. Dick's leg while other paramedics attended to Tyler - and Ms. Adamitis - who escorted a child away from the bloody scene and kept the at-fault driver in her car - played down their roles.

"It was without a question a group effort," said Capt. Goetz, giving credit to the doctors at the Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, the pilot of the Maryland State Police helicopters who flew Mr. Dick there, and all of the other paramedics who responded to the Feb. 13, 2006, wreck.

"Before this, I would have said I couldn't have done it, but you go into auto pilot. You just do it," said Ms. Adamitis. "I don't feel I am any hero."

Jody Renee Hudson, the 39-year-old woman who hit Mr. Dick and his son, was sentenced last year to four years in prison for two count of causing a life threatening accident while on drugs. Circuit Court Judge Joseph P. Manck suspended one year of the sentence, but ordered Ms. Hudson to pay the family $150 a month for five years after her release.

The day's top honor went to two county police officers who have spent the past decade helping victims of domestic violence.

Cpl. Jonas "Iggy" Ignatavicius and Cpl. Sue Pugliese, both of whom are retiring later this year, received the Warren B. Duckett Jr., Memorial Commitment to Justice Award.

"Iggy has earned every award there is to be earned, and he is respected by all who know him, but it is obvious what matters most to him are the victims. His career is his passion," said Maria Putzi, a victim witness specialist with the State's Attorney Office.

Cpl. Ignatavicius said he will miss his work because he knows he makes a difference in people's lives.

"There is a lot of frustration involved. You are talking about cases where there is a lot of emotion," he said. "But it is gratifying when you can help someone."

HONORED

Christina Adamitis and James Goetz: For aiding and comforting John Dick Jr. and his son, Tyler, after a traffic wreck in Pasadena

A mother and daughter from Harbour House who asked not to be identified: For testifying in an Annapolis murder case despite fears for their safety

Traffic Safety Division, Anne Arundel County Police: For investigating the county's most serious traffic wrecks

Shelly Glenn, formerly of the Anne Arundel County State's Attorney Office: For prosecuting most of the county vehicular manslaughter cases

Deputy Sheriff Ted Vanorsdale, Anne Arundel County Sheriff's Department: For helping the families of three county slayings meet one-on-one with the murderer

Warren B. Duckett Jr. Memorial Commitment to Justice Awards

Cpl. Jonas "Iggy" Ignatavicius and Cpl. Sue Pugliese: For investigating thousands of domestic violence cases in the county as part of the "DVOTEE" program