October 18, 2019 – Two of Midland’s dedicated first responders were honored earlier this week at the 2019 Carl and Esther Gerstacker Police and Firefighter of the Year Awards at Midland Country Club. Midland Police Department Sergeant Corey Armstead was named the City’s 2019 Police Officer of the Year, while Midland Fire Department Firefighter John Polzin was honored as the 2019 Firefighter of the Year.
Sgt. Armstead began his career with the Midland Police Department in 2012 as a road patrol officer after having served for nine years with the Midland County Sheriff’s Department and was promoted to sergeant in 2016. Sgt. Armstead is currently a team leader on the Midland Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team and has also served as a field training officer (FTO), FTO supervisor, and firearms instructor. He is also involved in several local organizations, including the United Way of Midland County and Leadership Midland, and coaches football at Northeast Middle School.
Firefighter Polzin is a five-year veteran of the Midland Fire Department and joined the team in 2014. In addition to his duties at Fire Station 1, Polzin is also a live fire training instructor, a member of the Midland Fire Department Honor Guard, and serves on MFD’s Technical Rescue and Hazardous Materials Response teams.
Awards are funded through and given by the Midland Area Community Foundation. The selection process and awards ceremony is coordinated by the Midland Exchange Club.
