Chief of Police Ernest Joseph Leatherbury, Sr, Crisfield Police Department

Thursday 5/31: In February 2003, Chief of Police Ernest Joseph Leatherbury, Sr. became the 34th line of duty death on the eastern shore of Maryland. He was the fourth officer lost from the Crisfield Police Department.

Chief Ernest Leatherbury suffered a fatal heart attack at 1730 hours, approximately one hour after helping other officers subdue a suspect in front of the police station. The suspect who had been arrested for assault, refused to go into the station and had to be forced inside by the chief and other officers. Chief Leatherbury collapsed at a meeting approximately one hour after the incident. Chief Leatherbury had been with his agency for six years and had been with the Maryland State Police for 25 years. He is survived by his wife, three sons, five grandchildren, and nine siblings. Source: ODMP.

Remembering Chief of Police

Ernest Joseph Leatherbury, Sr.

Crisfield Police Department

End of Watch: February 21st, 2003

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Deputy Sheriff Jason Charles Schwenz, Queen Anne's County Sheriff's Department

Wednesday 5/30: Today we acknowledge Deputy Jason Schwenz, the second of two law enforcement officers to pass on February 13th, 2001. He was the first Queen Anne's County deputy to be killed in the line of duty.

Deputy Jason Schwenz and Officer Michael Nickerson were shot and killed after responding to a noise complaint. The two officers and a state trooper had responded to the complaint and had been given permission to enter the mobile home by the suspect's mother, who lived across the street. The officers were in a screened in porch and had identified themselves when the suspect told them not to come in or they would get hurt. When the officers opened the door, the suspect opened fire with a shotgun, striking Deputy Schwenz and Officer Nickerson.

The state trooper dragged Officer Nickerson off of the porch and was attempting to revive him when the suspect attacked him. The trooper was able to overpower the suspect and place him under arrest. The suspect was found guilty of two counts of first degree murder on May 24, 2002, and sentenced to death. He was also sentenced to life without parole for the attempted murder of the state trooper. The suspect died in prison on November 17, 2002. Deputy Schwenz had been employed with the agency for 18 months, and is survived by his fiancée, parents, and brother. Source: ODMP.

• February 22nd, 2017 Sheriff's deputies recognized for service
• October 16th, 2001 Law Officers Salute Fallen Comrades
• February 18th, 2001 State bids farewell to a fallen hero; Marylanders gather to honor deputy slain in Queen Anne's
• February 15th, 2001 Law enforcement bonds of blood, duty; Slain police officers are mourned by kindred agencies

Remembering Deputy Sheriff Jason Charles Schwenz

Queen Anne's County Sheriff's Department

End of Watch: Tuesday, February 13th, 2001

Thank you to all of our law enforcement agencies and departments. We are grateful for you each and every day! Stay safe and God bless you all.



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Delmarva Supports Law Enforcement

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Police Officer Michael Scott Nickerson, Centreville (MD) Police Department

Tuesday 5/29: Police Officer Michael Nickerson, along with Deputy Jason Schwenz, were shot and killed on February 13th, 2001 while responding to a noise complaint. The two officers and a state trooper had responded to the complaint and had been given permission to enter the mobile home by the suspect's mother, who lived across the street. The officers were in a screened in porch and had identified themselves when the suspect told them not to come in or they would get hurt.

When the officers opened the door, the suspect opened fire with a shotgun, striking Deputy Schwenz and Officer Nickerson. The state trooper dragged Officer Nickerson off of the porch and was attempting to revive him when the suspect attacked him. The trooper was able to overpower the suspect and place him under arrest. Officer Nickerson was transported to a trauma center where he succumbed to his injuries approximately one hour later.

The suspect was found guilty of two counts of first degree murder, and one count of attempted murder on May 24, 2002, and sentenced to death. He was also sentenced to life without parole for the attempted murder of the state trooper. The suspect died in prison on November 17, 2002. Officer Nickerson is the first Centreville officer to be killed in the line of duty. He had been employed with the agency for one month after leaving a nearby agency. He is survived by his parents and two brothers. Source: ODMP.

5.19.17 Fallen officers honored in Sykesville 

2.15.17 First responders remember 'Fallen Heroes' 

10.27.11 Trooper honors late uncle by joining force: "Tanner Nickerson follows both his uncle — who was killed wearing the uniform of a small-town police force, his life cut short before he could become a state trooper — and his father, who joined the state police to fulfill his slain brother's dream."

Remembering Police Officer Michael Scott Nickerson

Centreville Police Department

End of Watch: Tuesday, February 13th, 2001

Thank you to all of our law enforcement agencies and departments. We are grateful for you each and every day! Stay safe and God bless you all.




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Fallen Officers from Maryland's Eastern Shore | Deputy Heller, Worcester County Sheriff's Office

Sunday 5/27: Today we remember the second law enforcement officer from the Worcester County Sheriff's Office to pass in the line of duty, Deputy Sheriff Brian Keith Heller; EOW June 14th, 2000. He became the 31st fallen hero from the Maryland side of the Delmarva Peninsula.

"Deputy Heller was killed in an single car automobile accident while responding to an assistance call. Deputy Heller was responding to assist another deputy with a mental patient, who was armed with a possible weapon. As Deputy Heller was driving southbound on U.S. Route 113, his 2000 Ford Crown Victoria went out of control and struck a group of trees, ejecting him. Upon impact the cruiser burst into flames. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later. Deputy Heller had been in law enforcement for 13 years, and had been with the Worcester County Sheriff's Office for four years. He is survived by his wife and two daughters, ages 9 and 14." Source: ODMP.

Eastern Shore of Maryland Fallen Heroes | Trooper Joseph Thomas Lanzi, Maryland State Police

Saturday 5/26: Today we acknowledge the 30th name on the memorial wall in Dorchester County, honoring the fallen officers of Maryland's eastern shore.

Trooper Lanzi was killed in an accident while responding to assist a Cecil County deputy at the scene of a DUI accident in which the suspect was armed with a gun. During the response Trooper Lanzi's patrol car skidded during a down pour and struck a tree. Trooper Lanzi had served with the agency for almost 5 years. He was survived by his wife, two sons, and daughter. Source: ODMP.

Fly High, Deputy First Class Steven Ray ~ You Are Missed Already

This is one of those posts that doesn't really fit the criteria of "blog post" at all; it's short on length, rather than the 1000 words which experts say is the standard. But to be fair, this post really only dwells on one simple point; you can't be one of the people who “made a difference” if you didn’t care to give of yourself; if you didn’t wish to donate your time, kindness and leadership to the members of your community.

Stevie was one of those exceptional people who did.

Trooper First Class Edward Plank, Maryland State Police | EOW: October 17th, 1995

Tuesday 5/22: Today we remember one of Maryland's Finest, the second officer to be killed in the line of duty from the Princess Anne State Police Barrack.

Trooper Edward Plank was shot and killed during a traffic stop near Princess Ann, Maryland, at 1:09 a.m. Unknown to Trooper Plank at the time, the driver and passenger of the car were returning to the state after a drug re-supply. Trooper Plank called for back-up when he became suspicious of the driver and after conferring with another officer approached the vehicle a second time at which point he was shot in the face and killed instantly. The two suspects fled but were caught later in the day. One of the suspects was caught after breaking into a house. The owner of the house clubbed the suspect with an empty rifle after being shot at and held him until police arrived. Four hundred grams of cocaine were found in the suspect's car.

The shooter pled guilty to first degree murder on May 14, 1996, and was sentenced to death. In July 1998 the suspect's death sentenced was overturned and he now is facing life in prison.

Trooper Plank had served with the agency for 7 years. He was survived by his wife, a 7-month-old daughter, and his parents. Source: ODMP.

Remembering Trooper Mark P. Groner, Maryland State Police | EOW: October 1st, 1992

Monday 5/21: State police officer Mark P. Groner became the 28th officer to pass in the line of duty on the eastern shore of Maryland. He was 24 years of age at the time of his death.

Trooper Groner was killed in an accident at Routes 392 and 313 near Hurlock while responding to a call. His vehicle was struck by a vehicle, spun around, and struck by a third oncoming vehicle. Trooper Groner had been with the agency for almost five years. Source: ODMP.

Remembering Officer Thomas Crouch, Maryland Toll Facilities Police Department

Sunday 5/20: Today we acknowledge the first line of duty death involved with the Maryland Toll Facilities Police Department, Officer Thomas Crouch, End of Watch: Thursday, October 31st, 1991.

"Officer Thomas Crouch was struck by a car and killed while setting out traffic cones on the eastbound lanes of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. He had served with the Maryland Toll Facilities Police Department for 24 years. He was survived by his wife and three children". Source: ODMP.

Maryland's Eastern Shore LODD: Trooper First Class Eric Dwight Monk, Maryland State Police

Saturday 5/19: Today we remember a fallen state trooper who became the 26th line of duty death on the eastern shore of Maryland (Somerset County). Remembering Trooper First Class Eric Dwight Monk, Maryland State Police. End of Watch Saturday, April 9, 1988.

"Trooper Eric Monk was struck and killed by a vehicle during a traffic stop on US Route 13 in Westover. He had been with the agency for just over 11 years and was survived by wife, brother, mother, and father." Source: ODMP.

Remembering Trooper First Class William P. Mills, Jr, Maryland State Police | EOW June 8th, 1979

Friday 5/18: "Trooper Mills was shot and killed while investigating a domestic complaint involving two neighbors in Brookview, Maryland. While on the scene he was shot in the chest with a .38 caliber handgun and knocked down. As he attempted to draw his weapon he was shot in the chest with a high powered rifle. The man who shot him also shot and killed the neighbor he had been arguing with. On November 6, 1979, the 68 year-old suspect was found not guilty by reason of insanity and sent to a mental institution. Trooper Mills had been with the agency for almost nine years." Source: ODMP.

Deputy Sheriff Charles H. Lankford, Caroline County Sheriff's Office

Thursday 5/17: Today we remember the 24th officer lost in the line of duty on the eastern shore. Deputy Sheriff Charles H. Lankford of the Caroline County Sheriff's Office, EOW: July 29th, 1977.

Deputy Sheriff Charles Lankford suffered a fatal heart attack while attempting to break up a fight between four men at the county's annual carnival. Deputy Lankford had served with the Caroline County Sheriff's Office for 13 years. He was survived by his wife and two children. Source: ODMP.

Sergeant Wallace Johnson Mowbray, Maryland State Police

Wednesday 5/16: Remembering Sergeant Wallace Johnson Mowbray, End of Watch: August 10th, 1975. Sergeant Wallace Mowbray was shot and killed during a traffic stop near Chester, Maryland. He was checking a license plate over the radio when he was struck by a shotgun blast. The license plates turned out to be stolen and two of the four occupants had warrants out for their arrest. All four suspects fled from the scene. Two suspects, who were later convicted of doing the shooting, kidnapped a couple in Chester, took their car, and raped the woman. They were captured several hours later. The other two suspects stole a boat and headed toward the Western Shore. They were captured two days later.

Maryland Law Enforcement | Trooper Milton Veasily Purnell, Jr., Maryland State Police

Tuesday 5/15: Today we remember the sixth Maryland state trooper to pass in the line of duty on the eastern shore of Maryland. Trooper Milton Purnell was killed in an automobile accident on Route 50 near Cambridge when his patrol car struck a utility pole at a service station. He had only been with the agency for 17 months. Source: ODMP.

Remembering Trooper Milton Veasily Purnell, Jr.

Maryland State Police

End of Watch: May 29th, 1975

I was unable to find any other details about Trooper Purnell. However, each time I have attended the fallen officer memorial ride at the Eastern Shore Police Association in Rhodesdale, there is a photograph of him placed at the wall. I hoped to locate some information or perhaps family members but as of today have not been able to learn more about him.

Thank you to all of our law enforcement agencies and departments. We are grateful for you each and every day! Stay safe and God bless you all.



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Delmarva Supports Law Enforcement

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Fallen Officersof Maryland's Eastern Shore | Deputy Oscar Leaverton, Kent County Sheriff's Office

Monday 5/14: Today is the first LODD on the Maryland side of Delmarva (the 21st name) which unfortunately I found almost nothing about. My goal wasn't ever just to copy and paste information listed on the Officer Down Memorial Page website, however in this case there seem to be no additional details.

Deputy Leaverton died after struggling with suspect in the town of Betterton. As he returned to his patrol vehicle he collapsed. Source: ODMP.

Remembering Deputy Oscar Leaverton

Kent County Sheriff's Office

EOW: Saturday, June 29th, 1974

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Remembering Trooper First Class Phillip Lee Russ, Maryland State Police

Sunday 5/13: Acknowledging the twentieth line of duty death on Delmarva's eastern shore, a state trooper who died in a helicopter crash along with another of Maryland's Finest.

Trooper Philip Russ and Trooper Thomas Noyle were killed when their Bell Jet Ranger helicopter crashed while they were conducting a med-evac to the Maryland Trauma Center. The aircraft encountered heavy fog and crashed near Bennett's Paint Road in Queenstown when the pilot attempted to land. Trooper Russ had been employed with the Maryland State Police for almost four years. Source: ODMP.

Remembering Trooper First Class Phillip Lee Russ

Maryland State Police

EOW: October 28th, 1972

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Eastern Shore of Maryland LODD | Trooper First Class Thomas Asa Noyle, Maryland State Police

Saturday, May 12th: Today we remember Trooper First Class Thomas Asa Noyle of the Maryland State Police. Tragically, he passed while serving in the line of duty on Saturday, October 28th, 1972, along with Trooper First Class Phillip Lee Russ.

Trooper First Class Thomas Noyle had 5 years and 10 months of service and was happy for every minute he served as a trooper for the State of Maryland. On October 28, 1972, Medic Noyle was riding aboard a medical evaluation equipped helicopter bound for Dorchester General Hospital to transport a patient. Medic Noyle died when the aircraft he was riding encountered thick fog. The pilot, Trooper First Class Phillip Lee Russ, attempted an emergency landing in an empty farming field, instead crashing, and killing both men. Source: ODMP.

"Noyle was trained in advanced first aid and received additional medical training at the University of Maryland for duties as a medic on board the Maryland State Police helicopter. Trooper Noyle, 28, is survived by his wife, Maureen Noyle, and three children, Scott Thomas Noyle, Troy Asa Noyle, and Jode Adrian Noyle". Source:





Thank you to all of our law enforcement agencies and departments. We are grateful for you each and every day! Stay safe and God bless you all.



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Delmarva Supports Law Enforcement

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Eastern Shore of Maryland | Deputy Albert Lee Kelly, Wicomico County Sheriff's Office

Friday 5/11: Today we remember Deputy Albert Lee Kelly, the eighteenth name on the ESPA memorial wall. He was killed along with Sheriff Samuel Graham whom we posted about yesterday, and the two officers are the first of three sets of law enforcement to pass on the same date.

Deputy Kelly and Sheriff Samuel Graham were shot and killed at approximately 2200 hours by an inmate in the county jail. The inmate had obtained a handgun that was smuggled to him in a box of candy. As Deputy Kelly placed inmates into cells the suspect grabbed him and pulled him against the bars. After forcing Deputy Kelly to open the out cell doors the suspect shot and killed him. Sheriff Graham, who lived in an apartment in the jail, was alerted to the escape and came to investigate. As he did so he was also shot and killed by the suspect. The man fled the jail but was apprehended the next morning in Dover, Delaware. The man was sentenced to two life terms in jail. Deputy Kelly had been with the agency for one year. Source: ODMP.

Remembering Deputy Albert Lee Kelly

Wicomico County Sheriff's Office

EOW: December 8th, 1968

Thank you to all of our law enforcement agencies and departments. We are grateful for you each and every day! Stay safe and God bless you all.



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Sheriff Samuel Adams Graham | Wicomico County Sheriff's Office (Maryland)

Thursday 5/10: Today's post acknowledges the the seventeenth law enforcement officer line of duty death on the Delmarva side of Maryland. Remembering Sheriff Samuel Adams Graham of the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office. EOW: Sunday, December 8th, 1968.

Sheriff Samuel Graham and Deputy Sheriff Albert Kelly were shot and killed at approximately 2200 hours by an inmate in the county jail. The inmate had obtained a handgun that was smuggled to him in a box of candy. As Deputy Kelly placed inmates into cells the suspect grabbed him and pulled him against the bars. After forcing Deputy Kelly to open the out cell doors the suspect shot and killed him. Sheriff Graham, who lived in an apartment in the jail, was alerted to the escape and came to investigate. As he did so he was also shot and killed by the suspect. The man fled the jail but was apprehended the next morning in Dover, Delaware. The man was sentenced to two life terms in jail. Sheriff Graham had been with the agency for 11 years and was survived by his wife. Source: ODMP.

An article from Dec. 7, 2015: Sheriff's Death in '68 Shocked County

"Before the murders of Sheriff Samuel Adams Graham and Deputy Albert Lee Kelly, no member of the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office had ever been killed in the line of duty. And since they were fatally shot at the jail above the county courthouse on Dec. 8, 1968 – 47 years ago Tuesday -- no member of the office has been killed on the job."

Thank you to all of our law enforcement agencies and departments. We are grateful for you each and every day! Stay safe and God bless you all.



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Fallen Officers of Maryland's Eastern Shore: Blue Line Ride to be held Saturday, May 12th 2018

On April 24th we began a project to acknowledge each of the law enforcement officers from the eastern shore of Maryland. As of today we are about halfway through the list of names, having posted one at a time along with their information and a simple memorial image. To honor the fallen, we will be partnering with a local organization for their "Blue Line Ride" this Saturday, May 12th leaving from Willards, MD at noon.

At the ride, hosted by Hogs and Heroes Foundation, Inc. MD-8, the first 35 people to register will receive a card representing each name from the eastern shore, so in this way they will ride in memory of one of the fallen. Part of the idea came from the card you see here, given to the riders of America's 9/11 Ride several years ago. Upon reaching Ground Zero the person carrying this card went to locate Mr. Vialonga's name on the memorial as well to read about him in the museum. We thought this process would provide the the riders at the Blue Line Ride with a personal connection to a name.

We hope you can join the event on Saturday. All are welcome to join in the ride or simply come out to show your support during remarks, remembrance of the fallen and moment of silence.

Thank you to all of our law enforcement agencies and departments. We are grateful for you each and every day! Stay safe and God bless you all.



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Maryland's Eastern Shore Law Enforcement | Inspector George T. Mullikin, MNRP

Wednesday 5/9: Today we remember Inspector George T. Mullikin of the Maryland Natural Resources Police. End of Watch: Friday, April 1st, 1966. ODMP

Fifty years ago, on April 1, 1966, District Inspector George T. Mullikin was participating in an oyster propagation project near the Choptank River Bridge when he suffered a fatal heart attack. Inspector Mullikin was a member of a scuba-diving team that had been examining the effects of various harvesting devices on oyster bottoms.

After having completed several hours of underwater work, he was in the process of freeing the anchor of the research vessel when he surfaced in obvious distress. After being retrieved from the water, he stopped breathing and efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Inspector Mullikin had been a sworn member of the Maryland Marine Police for ten years. Source: Maryland Conservation History Facebook page.

May 2017, via the MNRP Facebook page: Trautman salutes Inspector George T. Mullikin, a diver who died in a drowning accident in 1966.

Thank you to all of our law enforcement agencies and departments. We are grateful for you each and every day! Stay safe and God bless you all.



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Game Warden Charles W. Rider | Maryland Natural Resources Police

Tuesday 5/8: A warden from the previously named Maryland Department of Fish and Game is the fifteenth officer to pass in the line of duty on the eastern shore.

Nov. 7, 1963 District Game Warden Charles W. Rider is on patrol on U.S. 50 in Grasonville, when he swerves to avoid an oncoming vehicle in the wrong lane. Rider, 38, is killed but his quick action saves his partner. Source: MNRP website.

I could find only a brief mention of Warden Rider's name in recent years from an article dated May 2009: "Fallen Heroes Memorial Park rededicated in Queen Anne's County".

Centreville, MD: "The expanded Fallen Heroes Memorial Park was rededicated at a ceremony attended by several dozen people on Thursday. It was first dedicated in June 2003 and has eight stone markers inscribed with the names of men who died in the line of duty including Warden Charles W. Rider, Maryland Department of Fish and Game."

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Trooper First Class Arthur W. Plummer, Jr. | Maryland State Police

Monday 5/7: Today we remember a fallen state trooper, the first line of duty death on the eastern shore to be involved in an airplane incident. From the Aviation Command Fallen Heroes website: "Since the inception of Maryland State Police Aviation Command, there has been one airplane and four fatal helicopter crashes. These crashes have claimed the lives of nine State Troopers and one EMT. "

Remembering Officer Henry T. Stephens | Salisbury, MD Police Department

Sunday 5/6: The thirteenth name on the memorial wall at the Eastern Shore Police Association is from the Salisbury Police Department.

Officer Stephens was shot in the back and killed by a check forgery suspect as they were walking inside the police station. The suspect was captured minutes later when officers found him hiding in high weeds outside the police station. The suspect was convicted of his murder and sentenced to death. His sentence was commuted to life June 24, 1976. Source: ODMP

Remembering Officer Henry T. StephensSalisbury Police DepartmentEOW: Friday, September 5, 1958

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Maryland's Eastern Shore | Officer Daniel C. Bier, Cambridge Police Department

Saturday 5/5: Today we acknowledge the 12th name on the memorial wall in Rhodesdale, Maryland.

Officer Daniel Bier was shot and killed after responding to a domestic disturbance call at 4:30 pm. He was shot in the chest with a .45 caliber handgun as he entered the home. The suspect fled the scene but was apprehended by members of the Maryland State Police. The suspect was initially convicted of first degree murder, however, was convicted of a lesser charge of a second degree murder during a second trial. He was released after serving only 5 years. Officer Bier had served with the agency for 7 years. He was survived by his wife, sister, and two brothers.

Remembering Officer Daniel C. Bier

Cambridge Police Department, MD

EOW: Sunday, May 3rd, 1953

Noted on May 7th, 2015 via the Cambridge Police Department Facebook page: FOP Lodge #27 honors Officer Bier, end of watch May 3, 1953.

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