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.

Candlelight Vigil | December 1st, 2019

Tonight was the Christmas Candlelight Vigil in Dover, held to honor and remember Delaware's fallen heroes. Hosted by Concerns Of Police Survivors (Delaware), the evening is focused upon the family members and their loved ones.

It's a well known fact that those who make the decision to serve in law enforcement roles do not have "normal lives". Such career choices - a calling, in fact - are not merely about the individual, as stress and difficulties of the job often wind up affecting the entire family - and that is where the C.O.P.S. organization comes in. Founded in 1984 and with a current membership of over 48,000, their role is to help and support those whose lives have been shattered by the death of a police officer. At tonight's ceremony, they provided relatives an opportunity to remember their loved ones as each name was read and an ornament placed on the Christmas tree at the front of the room.

You might think we would have an album of photos to share as we normally do, but things were different this evening. Moved indoors due to weather, the service could have allowed for better pictures, however it felt inappropriate to take photos at such close range. For that reason we took away with us only a few images of the building and police memorial, along with the words of several speakers.

Please keep the survivor families in your thoughts and prayers this holiday season. May God bless, watch over and keep safe all of our police officers everywhere.

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day 2019 is January 9th

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (L.E.A.D.) takes place each year on January 9th. Created by Concerns of Police Survivors, a number of events are held each year across the country recognizing the dedication and sacrifices our officers make.

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.

###

Sincerely,
Delmarva Supports Law Enforcement
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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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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.




Sincerely,
Delmarva Supports Law Enforcement

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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.

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.



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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.



Sincerely,
Delmarva Supports Law Enforcement

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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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Sincerely,
Delmarva Supports Law Enforcement
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Cecil County Sheriff's Office | Remembering Sheriff J. Myron Miller

Today we honor the fifth fallen officer from the eastern shore of Maryland. Sheriff J. Myron Miller of the Cecil County Sheriff's Office was shot and killed by a man who had been given shelter at the County Jail in Elkton for three years. Sheriff Miller had asked the man to lay sawdust down in the jail's stables and the man refused unless he was to be paid. The Sheriff then, acting on information he had previously received, asked the man for a weapon he owned. The man put the weapon against Sheriff Miller's right side and shot him. Sheriff Miller was able to walk to his office where he collapsed and died. The suspect was taken into custody by two nearby workers. Sheriff Miller was survived by his wife, who witnessed the incident. ODMP.org

Remembering Sheriff J. Myron Miller

Cecil County Sheriff's Office

EOW: Saturday, March 30, 1912

Crisfield, MD Police Department | Remembering Night Chief John H. "Jack Hen" Daugherty

The fourth officer to be killed in the line of duty on the Maryland side of Delmarva was from Somerset County. While searching for information I came across this article on the Delmarva History website, dated 2009: "Three Fallen Crisfield Police Officers Added to Memorial". It was during Police Week in May that the names from the Crisfield Police Department were added to the memorial wall in Rhodesdale, MD, with Chief Daugherty's being the first.

Eastern Shore of Maryland LODD: Deputy William Outten, Worcester County Sheriff's Office

Today is the first post honoring the fallen officers of Maryland's eastern shore. We will be sharing one of the names each day for the next 35 days to acknowledge those lost in the line of duty from the nine counties which make up our area of Delmarva. This is the first name inscribed on the memorial wall in Rhodesdale, MD however due to the date it is not listed on the ODMP.org website.

Remembering Deputy William Outten

Worcester County Sheriff's Office

EOW: February 6th, 1759

Press Release for Thank a Police Officer Day, September 16th

Saturday, September 16th is "Thank A Police Officer Day". This is a national event created in 2012 by the Whole Truth Project, and here on Delmarva we are working with local residents to "adopt" and recognize area agencies and LEO's. Operating behind the scenes is a planning group with over 200 volunteers, who for the third year are reaching out across the Peninsula to acknowledge more than 70 area police departments.

Press Release 9.12.16 for Thank A Police Officer Day on Delmarva

For Immediate Release:
Law Enforcement Appreciation Event 9.17.16

Saturday, September 17th is "Thank A Police Officer Day", created in 2012 by the Whole Truth Project. Observed nationally, we are working here in our community to inform residents of the date and to encourage support for our local law enforcement officers. There is a public Facebook event for the Delmarva area offering information so that citizens may get involved and participate. Everyone is invited to join in acknowledging those who protect and serve our neighborhoods and towns.

"Thank A Police Officer Day" | Card Signing Locations Around Delmarva

Local businesses which have signed up to have a giant card on display for the community to stop by and sign. You can also bring your cards that you are writing or making and drop off them off at these locations so they may be distributed across the area. Please plan to stop by and visit these sites to add your message of support for our LEO!


Dagsboro Electric and Plumbing
This card is for the Millsboro PD

32444 Dupont Blvd
Dagsboro, DE 19939
http://www.electric-plumbing.com 
Hours are 8:30 to 3:30 M-F

Delmarva Police/Law Enforcement News & Articles (Jan - June '16)

Delmarva Supports Law Enforcement maintains an informal listing of local police news, positive articles of interest and mentions of area agencies. Follow us on Facebook for regular posts and content.

Four-footed Officers of Delmarva (Part 4)

Part four of our week honoring those who serve our communities on four feet includes: K9's from the Queen Anne's County Sheriff's Office, Ocean City Mounted Patrol, Weatherkitty of the Cecil County Sheriff's Office and K9 Officers from central Delaware.



• • • K9's from the Queen Anne's County Sheriff's Office • • •

Four-footed Officers of Delmarva (Part 3)

The third installment of our series features three Maryland canine departments and the Mounted Unit of the Delaware State Police.

• • • • • K9 "Rookie", Wicomico County Sheriffs Office • • • • •