Ocean City, MD – Northern Harford County State Senator Barry Glassman (R-35) received the Senator William H. Amoss Memorial Legislative Award Tuesday at the Maryland State Firemen’s 117th Annual Convention in Ocean City. Senator Glassman, who thought he was presenting citations at the morning session, was surprised as he was introduced to the convention.
The Legislator of the Year Award recognizes an individual’s contributions and determination in promoting the betterment of Maryland Fire and Rescue and Emergency Services through successful legislation and the legislative process.
During his introduction by MSFA President Frank Underwood, Senator Glassman was commended for his leadership in defeating two proposals to privatize and dismantle Maryland’s medivac and trauma system. Glassman, who grew up in the Level Volunteer Fire Company and served as its President before his entry into local politics in 1989, serves as Co-Chair of the Legislative Fire and EMS Caucus with his close friend Delegate James Malone (D-12) of Baltimore County.
During his comments Senator Glassman said he was honored to stand-up for MD’s premier emergency system and to receive the award named after legendary Harford Delegate and Senator William “Bill” Amoss who represented the original Harford District 35 in the Maryland Senate. Glassman also quipped that he had been teased during his many debates with the helicopter bill sponsor, Senator E.J. Pipkin (R-36), that he looked only a third of the size of the stouter Pipkin…but he closed with line from and old country song “When I’m fighting for you all I’m bullet proof and ten foot tall.”
Senator Glassman served 11 years in the House of Delegate and was appointed to the Senate in 2008 to complete the term of the late Senator Robert Hooper with his recommendation. Glassman follows Harford Countian and past MSFA President Charlie Riley as a recipient of the prestigious statewide award.
[The GMAC Insurance National Driver Test rates Maryland a bottom-10 state for “Licensed Drivers Knowledge of Basic Road Rules.” Thousands upon thousands of MD drivers are not fit for driving, using vehicles as weapons. Testing for road rules and vision appears woefully inadequate.]
Maryland State Senator Barry Glassman wrote to me that he despises further “big brother” controls: “Just another reason for more big brother control by government. Not for me. B”. Yet Mr. Glassman is ready and able to receive (“be controlled by”) $43,500 in in taxpaid, State of Maryland “big brother” funds.
His comment smacks of hypocrisy for an elected MD public servant.