Fourteen members of the Metropolitan Police Department - including an officer who apprehended two shooting suspects despite being fired upon at least 30 times by the fleeing offenders - will be honored for exceptional acts of community service and courage, during the Mayor's Meritorious Service Awards Luncheon on Thursday, March 23, at the Capital Hilton Hotel.

Officer Andre Suber of the First District will be presented with the Gold Medal for his role last May 31 in capturing two felony suspects who were fleeing the scene of a shooting in the 1400 block of H Street, NW. After hearing the description of the get-away vehicle on his police radio and knowing that the 3rd Street Tunnel was a frequently used escape route, Suber strategically positioned his vehicle at the end of the tunnel. When he observed a black Buick that matched the lookout traveling at a high rate of speed, Suber activated his emergency equipment and gave pursuit. The suspects responded by leaning out the window and firing more than 30 rounds at Suber, including two that struck his police cruiser. Suber continued to pursue, until the suspects' vehicle went out of control and crashed.

"Officer Suber and all of this year's award recipients epitomize the core values of the MPDC - the values of motivation, pride, devotion and courage," said Chief of Police Charles H. Ramsey. "Along with Mayor Williams, I am honored to recognize and serve alongside these officers, who have demonstrated their commitment to the safety of our neighborhoods through these exceptional and selfless acts of bravery."

In addition to Suber's Gold Award, the following Metropolitan Police officers will be presented with Silver Awards:

Officer Carlos Amaya of the Fourth District , Officers James Penland and John Holloway of the First District , and Reserve Officer Kurt Hoffman of the First District apprehended several suspects involved in a drive-by shooting last May 8 at the intersection of M Street and First Place, NW, recovering a 9mm. handgun, ammunition and cash.

Detective Steven Dekelbaum of the Fifth District , through a careful analysis of crime data and extensive follow-up with victims, solved a series of vicious armed robberies in Northeast D.C., including two in which tourists were forced at gunpoint into their motel rooms and robbed.

Master Patrol Officer Dennis Fitzgerald of the Fifth District, battling intense smoke caused by an apartment fire at 3001 Bladensburg Rd., NE, last April 28, organized an immediate canvas and successful evacuation of the building, which housed many senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

Officer Malcolm Gaines of the Sixth District , observed an armed offender shoot the driver of a vehicle in the 4700 block of Alabama Ave., SE, last August 29. Gaines radioed for medical attention for the victim, then pursued the suspect on foot, apprehending him and recovering a .357 revolver.

Officers Carlos Mejia, Daniel Robinson, James Eckert and Ronald Wilkins of the Seventh District demonstrated teamwork and precision last October 25 in rescuing a kidnapping victim and apprehending two armed suspects who had beaten and shot the victim and then forced their way into a residence in the 600 block of Yuma Street, SE.

Officers Dane Snapko and Dennis Hance of the Harbor Patrol, Special Operations Division , showed great courage last September 11 when, without waiting to don protective dry suits, dove into the Washington Channel near the Case Bridge to locate an individual who was in the water. The officers located the person within a few minutes, and he was transported to George Washington University Hospital where, unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries.

Read more about these heroic acts in "Heroes of the MPDC."

The Police Department award recipients and their families will join members of the D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department who will also be honored during the annual awards luncheon, which is hosted by the D.C. Chamber of Commerce. The ceremony begins at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, March 23, in the Capital Hilton Hotel , 16th and K Streets, NW. Mayor Anthony A. Williams , DCCC President Elizabeth Lisboa-Farrow, Chief Ramsey and other dignitaries will be on hand to pay tribute to this year's heroes.