2017

Everett Howard​​

2020

Harrison Brock

The Orange County Sheriff's Department renamed their annual Community Policing Award to the “Deputy Michael Zemanek Award."  The award is given to one of their deputies who demonstrates outstanding commitment to duty and​ community service.  Award recipients include:

2014

Dep. Briggs

​DUI & Speed Enforcement

2017

​Dep. Schaffer

​Outstanding Performance 

2016

Lt. Clouatre

​Outstanding Performance

Mike’s Legacy:  Our lives are not our own.  The strong are here to care for the weak. Our personal success is the foundation upon which we build to help others who are less fortunate. We are not here for ourselves, but rather we are here for those around us, not to be self-centered, but to be self-sacrificing and selfless. 

About Mike Zemanek (aka Z-MAN)

2018

​E. Grady

2015

Patrick Ogden

2018

Elizabeth Ellis

​​

In honor of their fallen deputy, the Orange County Sheriff's Department in Chelsea, VT provided a $200.00 annual scholarship grant entitled "The Michael Zemanek Award." The grant was given to any high school senior in Orange County Vermont pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice, Emergency Management Services or Fire Science of the Sheriff's choosing. ​

​​2019

Dylan Henderson

2015

G. Higgins

Michael A. Zemanek (1990 - 2013) experienced a Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS).

  • Worked as full-time Orange County Sheriff's Deputy and a part-time Northfield Police Department Officer.  
    • Neither department carried life insurance or death benefits for their sworn law enforcement officers.  
  • Worked part-time for Barre City Police Department while attending (and after he graduated from) Norwich University
  • Attended Norwich University (2008 - 2012), was a member of the Corps of Cadets and graduated Magna Cum Laude.
    • Captained the Norwich University Swim and Dive Team, excelled as a distance swimmer, marathon runner, weight lifter, and was an exceptional athlete. 
    • Won the prestigious Norwich University Garrity Award for Leadership, Academic Excellence and Athletics.
  • Attended the 95th Class of the Vermont Police Academy Basic Training and earned the Highest Academic Achievement Award (05/24/13). 
  • Attended NU in pursuit of a Masters Degree in Computer Security and Information Assurance at the time of his passing. 

 
Michael grew up in Voorheesville, NY where he:

  • Served as a firefighter with the Voorheesville Volunteer Fire Department
  • Achieved the prestigious honor of Eagle Scout with BSA Troop 73​​

2019

​J. Schramm

2016

Hannah Magee​​

2017

​M. Slocum

LETTER FROM AN NU TEAMMATE:  
I never got the privilege to know you, but I feel like I do from hearing all of the stories about you. Your positive attitude, determination, work ethic, and liveliness lives on through the team. You are a role model to us and remind us to try our best and enjoy every day.  You left your mark on this world and this team. Thank you. You are always in our hearts. Sending much love. 
Love Kylee ♥️ 06 Dec 18

2016

S. Woodworth

Mike Zemanek 1650 yd. Freestyle

2015

Lt. Eggman

​Community Policing

​Out-Reach

2015

Capt. Welch

​Seatbelt 

​Enforcement

The Michael Zemanek 

Memorial Foundation, Inc.

"Strength of body & mind"

Mike's legacy was kept alive by the Norwich University (NU) Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving Team.  

An annual award named:  

"The Michael Zemanek Mental Toughness Award” 

is given to the NU senior who, throughout their swimming/diving career, exemplified: 

Integrity

Selfless Service

Positive Attitude

Motivational Leadership

Excellent Academic Standing &

Perseverance

2015 Patrick Ogden