Maryland Governor Larry Hogan awarded a gubernatorial citation to a North East Police Department officer who was struck by a car in a school zone crosswalk on February 4, 2022, — a split-second after she pushed a student out of harm’s way. Hogan presented the citation to Corporal Annette Goodyear, a 14-year NEPD veteran, on Tuesday during a ceremony in Annapolis. In a tweet announcing his decision to recognize the corporal, Gov. Hogan applauded Corporal Goodyear for her “incredible heroism in putting herself at risk to save a young student from being hit by an oncoming car.” The governor’s sentiment mirrors that of North East Mayor Michael Kline and other town and police officials. “Her action was heroic. It was a split-second reaction, no time to think,” Kline said. “We are blessed in this town to have officers willing to put themselves in harm’s way to protect all of our citizens.” The incident occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. where Corporal Goodyear was handling school-crossing duty. A nearby surveillance camera showed Corporal Goodyear motioning for an approaching eastbound vehicle to stop while she is standing in the Cecil Avenue crosswalk. At the same time, a girl was walking southward toward the middle school and attempted to cross Cecil Avenue. The driver of the vehicle did not stop and struck Corporal Goodyear as she pushed the girl out of harm’s way. The impact sent Corporal Goodyear rolling off the passenger’s side of the car where she dropped to the pavement and remained prone for several seconds. The girl also dropped to the pavement after being pushed to safety but she quickly rose to her feet. Corporal Goodyear was transported to an area hospital where she was treated for minor injuries to her legs and knees. The girl suffered a minor injury to her hand. North East Assistant Town Administrator Robb Carey said, Corporal Goodyear “was in her safety rain gear, which is extremely visible. She signaled repeatedly for the driver to stop with hand signals, but the car did not slow down. As the child was just about in front of her, (Goodyear) took the hit at knee level and the car narrowly missed the girl.” Corporal Goodyear returned to duty on four days later according to NEPD Lieutenant Stephen Yates, who, along with Cecil County Public Schools Superintendent Jeffrey Lawson, greeted her at her crosswalk post in front of NEMS and posed for a photo. Carey stressed on Friday afternoon that Goodyear put her life on the line to protect the youngster. “There was only enough time to get the child out of harm’s away, but not enough time for Cpl. Goodyear to get out of the way.” The 53 year old driver of the vehicle was issued four traffic citations, according to Cecil County District Court records.