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.

Notes and Events Regarding Law Enforcement on Delmarva (June 12th, 2020)

Friday, June 12th, 2020: Articles, links of interest and event updates for our area. The Delmarva Peninsula.is made up of fourteen counties which include the state of Delaware and eastern shore areas of Maryland and Virginia.

Police Week 2020 | Blue Lights on Delmarva

As many of you are already aware, the events surrounding Police Officers Memorial Day and Police Week 2020 have been canceled due to the current health crisis. We are saddened for the survivor families of the fallen heroes of 2019, however we will be sharing the names of each of the fallen on our Facebook page.

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.

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.

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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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. "

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.



Sincerely,
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

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

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

Follow-up to "Thank A Police Officer Day on Delmarva" - A Community Project

Update from last weekend ~ I'm still collecting pictures and names and looking for photos but wanted to post and acknowledge some of the many people who were involved in Saturday's Thank a Police Officer Day on Delmarva.

The last few days leading up to September 17th were pretty awesome to see. The generosity of so many people, local businesses and organizations was incredible and it seemed as if as folks find out how to get involved, the more people join in. It was, from beginning to end, a true community effort.

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.

It's that time of year again! Thank A Police Officer Day is September 17th, 2016

Last summer a group of residents set heard about a holiday honoring law enforcement professionals and wanted to get involved locally. "Thank A Police Officer Day" is traditionally observed on the third Saturday in September. Created by the Whole Truth Project, it is a national event and here on Delmarva we wanted to visit and recognize our local agencies on that day.

The initial goal was to cover ten to twenty locations around southern Delaware and Worcester County but as the word got out the community jumped in. Schools, groups and kids made and wrote notes to officers, people set up locations for cards to be dropped off cards and where you could add your comments to jumbo-sized messages of support. It grew as more people asked how they could get involved and by September 19th more than forty separate agencies had been visited by local residents. In addition, wanting to send some love to Baltimore, we had a number of giant cards which were signed all over Delmarva and then delivered to each precinct in Baltimore City.

The love and support for our men and women was amazing and we can't wait to do it again! Take a look at the slideshow from last year ~ https://youtu.be/OpF8I_qkZkA.

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.

February 10th, 2016

Midnight on 2/10/16:"Maryland Mourns"

Finally getting off the computer and away from the photos and images and comments of today's tragedy in Harford County, Maryland. What sadness in the faces of the officers, pictured in the photo from the Maryland State Police; what hope we all held for hours that our deputies would be ok.

There was a spark of good I saw, in the response of so many people to a simple acknowledgement by Governor Hogan. Ironically, that may have been due in part to the fact that we often look to our leaders for words at a time like this.....and far too often there is only silence. But today, as he spoke out to offer comfort and strength to those grieving, perhaps others will see the example being set and cease their silence.

"We will not be silent, however - we stand with our law enforcement officers. God bless all who serve and protect! May the thoughts and prayers of so many reach out to comfort the families of the deputies we lost today. RIP, our heroes."

EOW February 10th, 2016:
Deputy Patrick Dailey and Deputy Mark Logsdon of the Harford County Sheriff's Office

This page is for support of our local law enforcement.

https://www.facebook.com/DelmarvaSupportsLawEnforcement

http://delmarvasupportslawenforcement.blogspot.com/

Officer Noah Leotta | Montgomery County, MD Police Department

Friday 12/11/15: Montgomery County Police pay tribute to Officer Noah Leotta

https://youtu.be/Q02dZJIL9r0

https://youtu.be/f33QJG1qKsA

https://youtu.be/QjhP_rsrFzk

http://wtop.com/montgomery-county/2015/12/montgomery-co-police-pay-tribute-to-officer-who-died-after-being-struck-during-traffic-stop-photos-videos/slide/1/


Update Thursday 12/10/15: Rest in peace, Sir. Our prayers and condolences to Officer Leotta's family, friends, department and all his brothers and sisters in blue. Such a sad loss....

Montgomery County Police Officer Noah Leotta – End of Watch: December 10, 2015

Update Wednesday 12/9/15: A heartbreaking update has been posted on the goheroes.com website. We are devastated to read this. Sending prayers to the family of Officer Leotta and the department.

December 9th, 2015:

Officer Noah Leotta, an Olney native and University of Maryland graduate, remains in critical condition. Police say anyone wishing to send his thoughts and prayers to Leotta and his family can do so at fornoah@montgomerycountymd.gov. People can also mail letters of support to Leotta at the following address:

Officer Noah Leotta
Montgomery County Police Department – 4th District
2300 Randolph Road
Wheaton, Maryland 20902


Shine a Light for Officer Leotta Event
https://www.facebook.com/events/1027921653936921/

Montgomery County Police Department
https://www.facebook.com/mcpnews

http://www.wusa9.com/story/news/local/rockville/2015/12/07/montgomery-co-officer-hit-car-still-critical-condition/76961290/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/police-officer-in-critical-condition-after-being-hit-by-suspected-drunk-driver/2015/12/04/85f192aa-9aa6-11e5-b499-76cbec161973_story.html

Cpl. Richard Daum | Somerset County, MD Sheriff's Office

On December 6th, 2014, Cpl. Richard Daum of the Somerset County Sheriff's Office responded to an accident on Maryland's eastern shore. His quick actions in saving a man and pulling him away from a burning vehicle most likely saved the citizen's life. He was later recognized and given the Lower Eastern Shore Moose Lodge #2431 Valor Award.

Via Delmarvanow.com: Somerset officer on saving man from car fire: 'I was doing my job'

http://www.delmarvanow.com/videos/news/local/maryland/2015/01/06/21358267/
http://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/maryland/2015/01/11/cpl-richard-daum-life-saving-somerset-county-sheriffs-office/21597503/

Links for the Sheriff's Office:

http://www.somersetsheriff.com/agencies/scso.html
https://www.facebook.com/SomersetSheriff/


Via the Somerset County Sheriff's page on facebook May 19th, 2015:

"Cpl. Richard "Rick" Daum recently received the Lower Eastern Shore Moose Lodge #2431 Valor Award. Cpl. Daum received this award as the result of his heroic actions last year when he responded to the scene of a vehicle fire and pulled the occupant to safety. Congratulations Rick!!"

https://www.facebook.com/SomersetSheriff/posts/982022141837655