Events Supporting Delmarva Law Enforcement Officers

Upcoming dates and events in support of law enforcement across our area of Delmarva. The Delmarva Peninsula includes 14 counties across three states: Maryland's eastern shore, the state of Delaware and the eastern shore of Virginia. We post the information as dates are shared with us however we encourage you to visit the link for each event link to confirm or verify additional details.

Press release 9/6/19: Thank A Police Officer Day on Delmarva

Delmarva Supports Law Enforcement
"Acknowledging those who serve and protect"

For immediate release: Thank A Police Officer Day on
Delmarva to be held Saturday, September 21st, 2019

We would like to pass along the following information regarding an upcoming date. Established in 2012 by the Whole Truth Project, this event acknowledges and honors the dedication and service of those who protect our cities and towns 365 days a year. We can't think of a better time than now to thank the men and women who contribute so much to our community!


2019 marks the fourth year of local residents, area businesses and civic organizations coming together to acknowledge law enforcement serving the 14 counties of the Delmarva Peninsula. There are so many ways in which to participate, such as "adopting a department", writing cards to local officers or having a meal delivered to a station. We're asking citizens to join us and get involved so that each agency will be visited during the third week of September.


How can you learn more? Visit our Facebook page to adopt a department, find ideas for celebrating the day and download graphics to show your support. We encourage our civic leaders and elected officials to share information about this event via social media, encourage area residents to participate or host a community gathering. Let's make sure to show appreciation to our heroes in blue across Delmarva this month and thank them for their service.

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Your assistance in posting this information is greatly appreciated.


Thank you,
Delmarva Supports Law Enforcement

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Thank a Police Officer Day on Delmarva | Press Release for September 15th, 2018

For Immediate Release:
Thank a Police Officer Day on Delmarva
Saturday, September 15th, 2018

Thank a Police Officer Day is a national event, created in 2012 by the Whole Truth Project. For the last three years, residents, local businesses and civic organizations have joined together to acknowledge the law enforcement professionals who serve the 14 counties of Delmarva.


When: Saturday, September 15th
Why: Our officers deserve respect, now more than ever
Where: Our goal is to recognize and honor those who
             serve and protect the Delmarva Peninsula


We invite you to join in this effort, spread the word about September 15th and encourage our citizens to to say “thank you” to our officers. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

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Sincerely,
Delmarva Supports Law Enforcement
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Guardians of the Thin Silver Line | Acknowledging Our Correctional Officers

A recent discussion with someone who had been a correctional officer for many years provided a bit of insight about how we may see or perceive others. During our conversation it was mentioned how a career as a corrections officer appeared to mean little to the public; was not acknowledged as challenging or viewed with respect. The conversation ended with a shrug of the shoulders and the statement "well, you know, that's how people see us". The words were a stinging reminder that when we (you and I, citizens, the community) do not value the contributions of others; that society, our young people and the media may fail to do so as well.

Eastern Shore of Maryland LEO's | K9 Ike, Worcester County Sheriff's Office

Friday 6/1: Today we acknowledge the most recent line of duty death on the eastern shore of Maryland, K9 Ike. On May 3rd, 2014 he became the 35th name to be added to the memorials located at the Eastern Shore Police Association in Rhodesdale, Maryland.

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.




Sincerely,
Delmarva Supports Law Enforcement

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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.

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.



Sincerely,
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

Visit us on Facebook to learn about the heroes we have lost from our Delmarva Peninsula portion of Maryland.



Sincerely,
Delmarva Supports Law Enforcement

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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.



Sincerely,
Delmarva Supports Law Enforcement

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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."

Visit us on Facebook to learn about the heroes we have lost from our Delmarva Peninsula portion of Maryland.



Sincerely,
Delmarva Supports Law Enforcement

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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

Visit us on Facebook to learn about the heroes we have lost from our Delmarva Peninsula portion of Maryland.



Sincerely,
Delmarva Supports Law Enforcement

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Maryland's Eastern Shore Fallen Officers: Deputy Game Warden Gordon Barnes

Friday 5/4: Deputy Game Warden Gordon Barnes was the eleventh officer killed in the line of duty on Maryland's eastern shore. He had only served with the department for ten months.

"Deputy Game Warden Gordon Barnes was shot and killed while investigating a hunting complaint near Pocomoke City on the Eastern Shore. While returning from church Warden Barnes noticed a subject acting suspicious and entering a wooded area near his house with a weapon. The warden was dropped off by his wife to investigate further and was found dead one day later. The subject was convicted of Deputy Warden Barne's murder and hanged on December 29th, 1945. He was survived by his wife and infant child." Source: ODMP. Photo via MNRP Facebook page.

Remembering Deputy Game Warden Gordon Barnes

Maryland Natural Resources Police

End of Watch Monday, February 5, 1945

Quartermaster Sergeant Wilbert V. Hunter, Maryland State Police | EOW: 2/7/36

Thursday 5/3: Today we acknowledge an officer from the Maryland State Police who is the tenth name on the Eastern Shore Memorial wall. An article giving some perspective on the conditions during the winter of 1936 is also included below.

Hunter, Wilbert V. - Quartermaster Sergeant, 30 years old; 7 years and 11 months of service from March 8th, 1928 to February 2nd, 1936. "Quartermaster Sergeant Hunter was part of an expedition attempting to take 2,000 pounds of food stuffs to Smith Island across Tangier Sound from Crisfield, Maryland, during a blizzard on the bay. Sgt. Hunter succumbed to the cold after falling through ice. Sgt. Hunter's commitment and dedication to serving the citizens of Maryland will never be forgotten. He will always be one of Maryland's Finest". Source: MSP Facebook Page.

Remembering Quartermaster

Sergeant Wilbert V. Hunter

Maryland State Police

EOW: Friday, February 7, 1936

Remembering Officer Joseph E. Kuhn, Maryland State Police | EOW: 4/8/1934

Today we acknowledge the eighth name on the memorial wall located in Rhodesdale, Maryland. This state trooper is the first motorcycle officer to pass in the line of duty on the eastern shore. Officer Kuhn served 1 year and 8 months of service from August 15, 1932 to April 8, 1934. His motorcycle crashed into the rear of a wagon without regulation rear lights, and it is believed that he was blinded by the bright headlights of an oncoming vehicle. Kuhn's sidecar hit a wheel of the wagon and he was thrown from the motorcycle onto the concrete roadway near Mardela Springs outside of Salisbury. Source: MSP Facebook page

Chief of Police James Washington Kirwin | Crisfield Police Department | EOW: 4/18/1930

The seventh Maryland law enforcement officer to pass in the line of duty is from the Crisfield Police Department. 

"Chief James Kirwin succumbed to wounds sustained 6 years earlier when he was struck in the head with a hatchet while attempting to make an arrest. Chief Kirwin and other officers had gone to a barn after being notified that a man inside had slashed another man with the hatchet.

When Chief Kirwin arrived at the barn he was struck in the head. The suspect then struck the other officer in the arm. The officer shot the suspect once, but did not immediately stop him. When the suspect lunged at the officer again, he emptied his revolver at the man, killing him. Chief Kirwin was survived by his wife". Source: ODMP

Chief of Police James Washington Kirwin

Crisfield Police Department

End of Watch Friday, April 18th, 1930

Visit us on Facebook to learn about the heroes we have lost from our Delmarva Peninsula portion of Maryland.



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Delmarva Supports Law Enforcement

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Deputy Sheriff Lewis L. Dryden | Somerset County Sheriff's Office

Sunday, April 29, 2018: The sixth officer we acknowledge today was from Somerset County, Maryland.

"Deputy Lewis Dryden was shot and killed as he and a Princess Anne police officer attempted to serve an arrest on a man who had shot his stepfather. The officers encountered the suspect walking down the street, carrying the shotgun he had used in the previous shooting. As they attempted to take him into custody the man was able to obtain control of Deputy Dryden's pistol and fatally shot him. He then shot and wounded the Princess Anne police officer before fleeing. The suspect was arrested several days later. He was convicted of Deputy Dryden's murder and sentenced to life in prison. Deputy Dryden was survived by his wife." Source: ODMP.org