Purple Heart Recipient Named Maryland State Trooper Of The Year

TIMONIUM, Md. (WJZ) --  He earned a Purple Heart fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now, he's on the road helping the citizens of Maryland.

Ron Matz has more on this amazing young man just named Maryland State Trooper of the Year.

It's a day of ceremony for the Maryland State Police, honoring the best of the best.

Christopher Toey was named Maryland State Trooper of the Year.

"Very surprised. I didn't expect that I could be chosen as Trooper of the Year for the state of Maryland out of all these other great people," said Toey.

Christopher Toey's wife Andrea couldn't be more proud.

"It's kind of crazy.  I'm excited for him. He deserves it. He's worked hard all year long," said Andrea Toey.  "You're constantly worried.  You hope and pray that they do their job to the best of the ability and come home safely to you at the end of the night."

Christopher Toey is also a Purple Heart recipient. He served in Afghanistan and was wounded in Iraq.

"I was wounded in Iraq on Nov. 13, 2003.  I was involved in a rocket attack and sustained shrapnel in my arm and left foot.  I've had two titanium plates and 11 screws put in my right arm. I have some range-of-motion issues, but it hasn't hindered me in the performing of my job," said Christopher Toey.

When he returned from Iraq, he didn't know what he would do until he got pulled over by a state trooper and they got to talking.

Thirty troopers were nominated for their outstanding service. All were honored Tuesday.

"They're working every day across the state.  So we're not just picking one or two. It's the opportunity for the State Police to really thank the men and women who do the work every day," said Colonel Marcus Brown, Maryland State Police Superintendent.

And there's no story better than the Trooper of the Year from Cumberland.

"I like helping people.  I joined the force in 2005. Cumberland is a lot different from here. It's got mountains, it's a small town and everybody knows everybody," said Christopher Toey.

Trooper First Class Toey and his wife have been married five years.  They're expecting their first child in August.