LETTER FROM AN NU TEAMMATE:
Happy Birthday Michael. I never got the privlage 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 though 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. Happy 28th Birthday! You are always in our hearts. Sending much love.
Love Kylee ♥️ 06 Dec 18
2015
Patrick Ogden
About Mike Zemanek (aka Z-MAN)
Mike Zemanek 1650 yd. Freestyle
2015
Capt. Welch
Seatbelt
Enforcement
2018
Award not
presented
2019
Award not
presented
2014
Dep. Briggs
DUI & Speed Enforcement
The Michael Zemanek
Memorial Foundation, Inc.
2019
Dylan Henderson
In honor of their fallen member, the Orange County Sheriff's Department in Chelsea, VT provides an annual grant entitled "The Michael Zemanek Award." The $200.00 grant is given to any high school senior in Orange County Vermont majoring in Criminal Justice, Emergency Management Services, or Fire Sciences of the Sheriff's choosing.
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
G. Higgins S. Woodworth M. Slocum E. Grady. J. Schramm
2016
Lt. Clouatre
Outstanding
Prof. Performance
2015
Lt. Eggman
Community Policing
Out-Reach
2017
Dep. Schaffer
Outstanding Prof. Performance
The Orange County Sheriff's Department renamed their Community Policing Award to the “Deputy Michael Zemanek Award" which is given annually to one of their deputies who demonstrate outstanding commitment to duty and community service. The following are the award recipients:
Mike's legacy is 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 careers, exemplified:
Integrity
Selfless Service
Positive Attitude
Motivational Leadership
Excellent Academic Standing &
Perseverance
2020
Harrison Brock
"Strength of body & mind"
2016
Hannah Magee
2018
Elizabeth Ellis
2017
Everett Howard
Michael A. Zemanek was a full-time Orange County Sherriff's Deputy and a part-time Police Officer for the Northfield Police Department when he passed away on July 31, 2013. Deputy Zemanek was 22-years-old when he died due to an undiagnosed Sudden Arrhythmic Death (S.A.D.S.). Neither department carried life insurance or death benefits for their sworn law enforcement officers. Deputy Zemanek also worked part-time for Barre City Police Department while attending and after graduation from Norwich University. Upon graduating from the Vermont Police Academy, Michael earned the Highest Academic Achievement Award for the 95th Basic Training Class.
Michael was a 2012 Norwich University Magna Cum Laude Graduate and a member of the Corps of Cadets. Michael was also studying for his Masters Degree in Computer Security and Information Assurance at the time of his passing. Mike captained the Norwich University Swim and Dive Team, excelled as a distance swimmer, marathon runner, weight lifter, and an all around exceptional athlete. Mike won the prestigious Norwich University Garrity Award for Leadership, Academic Excellence and Athletics.
Michael grew up in Voorheesville, NY where he served as a firefighter with the Voorheesville Volunteer Fire Department. Michael also achieved the prestigious honor of Eagle Scout with BSA Troop 73.
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.