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.