Special Police Officer Matthew Ennis was named St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s Officer of the Year, the Office of Public Safety announced. The recognition highlights Ennis’ contributions since joining the college’s public safety team in 2024.
Ennis began his career with the Office of Public Safety as part of a private security firm hired during the college’s transition to a new safety model. After the transition, he continued as one of the first Special Police Officers (SPOs) at St. Mary’s College. Director of Public Safety Felix Martinez praised Ennis for his rapid integration into the role.
“Officer Matthew Ennis exemplifies the very best of what we stand for at St. Mary’s College of Maryland Public Safety,” Martinez said. “From his earliest days with us, he has shown unmatched commitment, work ethic and heart.”
Ennis expressed surprise at receiving the award early in his tenure. “One thing that I enjoy about being a public safety officer is learning and growing in a different environment,” Ennis said. He credited his supervisors for recognizing his efforts and the impact he has made within the department.
The announcement came during a May ceremony hosted by the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County, the Department of Aging & Human Services, and the Triad/SALT Council. The event honored Law Enforcement Officers of the Year from various agencies. Ennis, alongside other officers, received accolades from local and state officials, including the St. Mary’s County Commissioners, Governor Wes Moore, the Maryland Senate, and the Maryland House of Delegates.
Martinez highlighted Ennis’ quick rise within the department. “Though not with us for long, Officer Ennis has wasted no time making a lasting impact, establishing himself as one of our most dependable and hardworking team members,” Martinez said. He noted that Ennis embodies the department’s core values of “dedication, integrity and service.”
Ennis’ role as an SPO involves ensuring campus safety through patrols, incident response, and community engagement. The transition to the new safety model at St. Mary’s College required officers to adapt to updated protocols and responsibilities. Ennis’ ability to embrace these changes while maintaining a high standard of performance earned him the recognition.
The May ceremony underscored the importance of public safety officers in St. Mary’s County. Representatives from multiple levels of government attended to acknowledge the officers’ contributions to their communities. The event provided a platform for agencies to showcase their top performers and reinforce the value of public safety roles.
St. Mary’s College of Maryland, located in St. Mary’s City, has prioritized enhancing its public safety framework. The shift to the new safety model involved restructuring the Office of Public Safety to include SPOs, who are trained to handle a range of security and law enforcement duties. Ennis’ recognition reflects the success of this transition and the caliber of officers recruited during the process.
The Office of Public Safety continues to focus on fostering a secure environment for students, faculty, and staff. Ennis’ award highlights the department’s commitment to recognizing individuals who excel in their roles. As one of the first SPOs, Ennis has set a standard for future officers joining the team.
The ceremony also served as an opportunity to strengthen ties between public safety agencies and local government. The involvement of state and county officials emphasized the collaborative effort to support law enforcement in the region. Ennis’ recognition as Officer of the Year marks a milestone in his career and underscores the impact of dedicated public safety professionals at St. Mary’s College.
