MDTA Officers Honored for Bravery in Howard County

Two Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) police officers were honored Thursday night in for putting their safety at risk to control two vehicles—one believed to be stolen and another driven by an impaired driver—after being struck by the driver of the impaired car in Howard County.

MDTA Corporal Timothy Morandi and Officer Jonathan Slusar stopped a suspect stolen vehicle on the night of Nov. 21, 2012 at the interchange of I-95 and Route 100. While standing between the stopped vehicle and their police cars, the impaired driver collided with their vehicles, according to a county statement.

Corporal Morandi observed the vehicle coming, pushed the driver of the suspected stolen vehicle clear, and was injured in the collision along with Officer Slusar.

Morandi suffered a fractured right knee while Sluslar suffer ligament and tendon injuries to his leg, both later underwent numerous surgeries, according to the county.

At Thursday night's ceremony, County Executive Ken Ulman said, "These two officers showed incredible bravery that night. They reacted instantly and kept their cool with no regard for their own personal safety. They epitomize the level of professionalism and courage we expect from all of our first responders. It is an honor to recognize them for their actions."

On Friday, Ulman proclaimed Aug. 9 Cpl. Morandi and Officer Slusar day in Howard County.