In an interview following a ceremony last week honoring first responders for their recent achievements, Hagerstown Police Chief Paul Kifer noted that “our guys put their lives on the line."

“It’s amazing, the mentality of people that get into the public service profession and put themselves in harm’s way to do what’s right for other human beings,” he said Thursday, June 9. “I’m proud to work here, and I”m proud to work with all these people who are here in this room.”

Just hours later, Maryland State Police Detective Sgt. Phillip Martin was wounded in a shootout with a man charged with killing three coworkers and wounding a fourth at Columbia Machine in Smithsburg. Joe Louis Esquivel, 23, of Hedgesville, W.Va., is also charged with driving his car into state police Lt. Vincent Upole’s SUV, according to Washington County District Court records.

The Smithsburg shooting:Court records: Columbia Machine shooter tried to commit suicide-by-cop

But also, two days earlier, Gerald Wayne Koogle Jr. was charged with shooting from a window in his mobile home at Washington County Sheriff’s Office Deputy 1st. Class Phillip Schnurr, Deputy Tyler Repp and Master Deputy Kyle Snodderly, according to court records.

Deputies fired upon:Man charged with shooting at deputies denied bail; 23 spent casings, 26 firearms recovered

The sixth annual Public Safety Awards ceremony sponsored by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce recognized other law enforcement officers as well as firefighters, fire marshals and emergency medical services personnel for their efforts.

“You do this without wanting recognition,” Chamber President and CEO Paul Frey said. “We appreciate your passion, professionalism, teamwork and service to our community.”