OFFICER , From page 1 police officer, quite often, you really don’t dig into the main issues,” Marcus said. “You basically, you handle a call, so on and so forth, and it’s rather fast in a sense.”

The team has made headlines of late as it has played an integral role in the county’s response to its growing problem with opioid addiction. Officers such as Marcus often are the ones who stay connected with the families after officers respond to an overdose report.

In Anne Arundel, officers are tasked with not only responding to 911 calls at various locations to assist with different crises, they run Safe Stations, which allows those looking for addiction treatment to enter any county firehouse or police department and immediately get help.

In a statement, police Chief Timothy Altomare said the award “simply formalizes for the public what [Marcus’] brothers and sisters (including me) have known” for years.

Jen Corbin, head of Marcus’ team, said he is devoted to following up with families and children — going so far in one case as to help organize a soapbox derby race to help foster a sense of community.

She added his “calmly nature” is an asset to the team and helps offset his large stature, pointing out he talked a woman down from a bridge during his off hours.

“That’s just who he is,” she said.

Marcus said he’s seen a change in himself, and said the skills he’s acquired in his job has even helped him elsewhere. He said he served as a moderator of sorts for his family after the death of his father about a month and a half ago, helping himself and others through a difficult time.

“Actually, it was a blessing to understand the grief personally and at the same time that I had to deal with it, helping them with it as well,” he said. “The training allowed me to basically debrief my family on what was happening and how we can process it all.” pdavis@capgaznews.com