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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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.




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.