Honors and Awards

Berlin is the proud recipient of a number of national, state, and local awards both from public entities and private enterprises.

2020

• When In Your State – Reasons Berlin MD is Officially the Coolest Small Town in America

2019

• Safewise.com – #3 of the Maryland’s 10 Safest Cities

2018

• Architectural Digest – Best Small Towns in America
• Budget Travel Magazine – Best Budget Destinations in America
• USA Today – America’s Best Small Town for Shopping
• House Beautiful Small Town – Maryland’s Most Beautiful Small Town

2017

• Huffington Post – 2017 Absolute Cutest Town in Maryland
• Alarmsystemreviews.com – #9 Safest Place to Live in Maryland
• Thecrazytourist.com – #2 of the 15 Best Small Towns to Visit in Maryland
• Onlyinyourstate.com – #2 of the 10 Towns in Maryland with the Best and Most Lively Main Streets

2016

• Smithsonian.com – 20 Best Small Towns to Visit in 2016
• Southern Living Magazine – South’s Best Small Towns
• American Public Power Association (APPA) – Berlin Electric Utility Reliability (Top 10% in USA)
• OnlyInYourState.com – 10 Most Enchanting, Magical Christmas Towns in Maryland
• House Beautiful Magazine – 40 Charming American Towns You’ve Never Heard of but Should Visit ASAP
• National Main Street Center – Semifinalist (Top 10) Great American Main Street Award 2017

2015

• Maryland Municipal League – Achievement Award for Town Spirit
• Trip Advisor – Certificate of Excellence Award
• PBS – Travels with Darley – Top Things to do in America’s Coolest Small Town
• Esquire Magazine – Top 50 Coolest Small Towns in America
• Budget Travel – Top Family Travel Spots on Maryland’s Eastern Shore
• State of Maryland – Arts and Entertainment District Re-designation
• The Culture Trip – 10 Most Beautiful Towns in Maryland
• Governor’s Service Award – Community of Service – Berlin Ambassador Program
• Washingtonian Magazine – Great Small Towns near DC
• Country Living Magazine – Top 50 Most Beautiful Towns in America
• Institute for Public Health Innovation – Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Certified Town
• Maryland Energy Administration – Maryland Smart Energy Community Certification
• University of MD Environmental Finance Center – Sustainable Maryland Certified Community Recertification (1^st in State; Originally Certified in 2012)
• Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Council Tourism Event Award – Berlin Heritage Foundation
• Impulcity digital guide – 19 Most Beautiful Small Towns in America
• Good Housekeeping Magazine – 50 Most Beautiful Towns in America

2014

• Budget Travel – Coolest Small Town in America
• Baltimore Sun – Coolest Small Town in Maryland
• Maryland Tourism Council – Best Social Media Campaign
• Maryland Tourism Council – Visit Maryland Award – Worcester County
• Maryland Tourism Council – Best Product or Event Award – Horses at the Beach
• Impulcity – The 19 Most Beautiful Small Towns in America (#11)

2012

• University of MD Environmental Finance Center – Sustainable Maryland Certified Community (1^st in State; Recertified in 2015)

2000

• Maryland Rural Water Association – Wastewater Treatment Plan of the Year

Berlin is also very proud of the individual employees who have achieved recognition both within their own departments and through other government agencies.

Police Department

Officer of the Year

• 2010    SPO Claude Holland
• 2011    Cpl. Jason Burnett
• 2012    PFC Brian Hirshman
• 2013    PFC Brian Hirshman
• 2014    PFC Edward Carmean
• 2018    PFC Gary Bratten

Unit Citation 2015

• Lt. Jeffrey Lawson
• Lt. Robert Fisher
• Cpl. Jason Burnett
• SPO Claude Holland
•  SPO Merle Bragg
•  PFC Jessica Collins

Certificate of Excellence

• 2008    Cpl. Jason Burnet
• 2015    PFC Jessica Collins

Commendation Award

• 2010    SPO Claude Holland
• 2010    Lt. Jeffrey Lawson

Certificate of Merit

• 2013    PFC Jessica Collins
• 2013    Cpl. Jason Burnett
• 2015    PFC Jessica Collins
• 2018    Officer Christopher Bireley, Lt. J.D. Lawson

Life Saving Award

• 2013    SPO Claude Holland
• 2014    SPO Merle Bragg
• PFC Edward Carmean
• 2018 Sr. Officer Joseph Kerr, Sr. Officer Claude Holland, Sgt. Michael O’Connor, Patrolman Kevin Lloyd

Water Resources – The following awards were given by the Maryland Rural Water Association.

Water Operator of the Year

• 1996  Marvin Smith

Wastewater Operator of the Year

• 1999 Jane Kreiter
• 2012 Jamey Latchum

Distribution and Collection Operator of the Year

• 2007 Keith Mariani