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(SYKESVILLE, MD) – Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller and Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr. on April 4 addressed the 157th Academy Class as 33 graduates joined the ranks of Maryland’s Finest.
Class 157 consists of military veterans, former police officers, college graduates and six were Maryland State Police cadets. Nearly 80% of students took advantage of the Associate of Applied Science Degree program, offered through Frederick Community College. In January, the class participated in the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge, raising over $21,000 for Special Olympics Maryland.
Trooper candidates navigated through 28 weeks of rigorous training at the Maryland State Police Academy before completing two months of field training after graduation. Families, friends and fellow members of the Maryland Department of State Police and other law enforcement agencies attended the graduation ceremony.
Congratulations to the 157th Academy Class.
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(BALTIMORE) -- Maryland Governor Wes Moore recently highlighted the work of members of the MDSP Underwater Rescue Team for their work following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
By May 7, all six known victims who lost their lives as a result of the collapse have been recovered.
Here are Gov. Moore’s remarks from a news conference that took place on April 30:
“Every day, I meet more Marylanders who prove what it means to be Maryland Tough and Baltimore Strong.Today, we are joined by Detective Sergeant Justin Updegraff from the Maryland State Police Underwater Recovery Team.
“I said at the top of my remarks that there’s a reason we put closure first on our list of directives. And the State Troopers you see next to me are on the front lines of that work. On any given day, we have a minimum of 25 divers ready to deploy. Ten of them are members of the Maryland State Police Underwater Recovery Team.
“Detective Sergeant Updegraff serves as commander. He has served with the Maryland State Police for 17 years. He has been on the Underwater Recovery Team for 12 years; And he was born in Baltimore, Maryland.
“Detective Sergeant Updegraff has raised his hand to serve so that others can be safe. He is the best of us. And I want to say to him directly: ‘Thank you for proving what it means to be Maryland Tough and Baltimore Strong.’”
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(SYKESVILLE, MD) -- The Maryland Department of State Police announces that applications are now being accepted for the fourth annual Leadership and Career Development Seminar, which will take place from July 12-14, 2024. The goal of the free event is to develop interest and introduce high school rising juniors and seniors and incoming college freshmen to career opportunities with the Department.
The three-day, action-packed seminar will be held at the Maryland State Police Training Academy in Sykesville. Those interested in starting a career in law enforcement – either sworn or civilian – are invited to learn about the Maryland State Police from troopers and civilian employees who specialize in a wide range of expertise. The seminar is a way to identify young talent and foster a relationship with the community. The goal is to provide participants with hands-on experiences and an introduction to the Department’s mission critical career opportunities.
Attendees will learn about emergency communications, fitness and defensive tactics, facets of a law enforcement career, aviation/flight paramedics. leadership, digital forensics/cybersecurity and details into our diverse civilian occupations. Troopers and civilian employees from various specialized units will be on hand to share their experiences about life as a state trooper or as a civilian employee in a law enforcement career. This will include representatives from Criminal Investigations, Forensic Sciences, Police Communications, Information Technology and the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
Along with this exciting opportunity, food and lodging will be provided on the campus of the Maryland State Police Academy. Each barrack commander will select one applicant to represent their respective county, including Baltimore City.
To qualify for enrollment, applicants must submit either a two-minute self-taped video or a written essay to explain why they are interested in a career in law enforcement. The deadline for applications remains open.
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(PORT REPUBLIC, MD) – Maryland State Police are asking the public for assistance as investigators continue the search for a 10-year-old boy who was reported missing more than 55 years ago in Calvert County.
Bob Boyes was last seen on Dec. 26, 1968, while walking home with his pet deer on Wash Hance Road in Port Republic. Hundreds of volunteers searched for Boyes by ground and air, combing the wooded area where he was last seen.
“I’ll forever remember the response from the search team that Bobby disappeared in thin air, without a trace,” said Joy Lee, Boyes’ younger sister, who was three years old when he disappeared. “How does that happen? Walking home from the neighbor’s house with his pet deer. His deer comes home but without him.”
Maryland State Police have led the investigation into Boyes’ disappearance. The case turned cold after investigators ran out of leads. Detective Sergeant Kemery Hunt took over the investigation in 2021 shortly after being assigned to the Prince Frederick Barrack. He is hoping that attention to the case will spark new leads from the public.
“We’ve delved into this case deeply, and our plan of attack was to knock on every door that we can,” Detective Sergeant Hunt said. “The original investigators also poured a tremendous amount of time into this case, but it’s just a puzzle that can’t be solved.”
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(PIKESVILLE, MD) — Maryland State Police are reminding the public about the importance of properly disposing expired and unwanted prescription medications after participating in the most recent National Drug Take Back Day on April 27.
People can drop off unwanted prescription drugs 24/7/365 at all 23 state police barracks—no questions asked. Maryland State Police participated in the Drug Take Back Day initiative in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration and allied law enforcement agencies across the country.
The biannual program allows people to safely dispose of unwanted prescription drugs, while educating the public about medication misuse. All state police barracks are equipped with secure drug collection boxes.
During the April event, Maryland State Police collected more than 2,000 pounds of medications. This included:
- Centreville Barrack: 695.42 pounds
- Frederick Barrack: 376.4 pounds
- Glen Burnie Barrack: 187.85 pounds
- Leonardtown: 101.5 pounds
- Rockville Barrack: 80 pounds
Maryland State Police since 2014 has removed more than 30,000 pounds of prescription drugs through the initiative.
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(PIKESVILLE, MD) -- Superintendent of the Maryland Department of State Police, Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr., on April 16 joined Lt. Governor Aruna Miller, and several guest speakers for a National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) media event to raise awareness on protecting all those who travel on Maryland highways.
"The Maryland Department of State Police is fully committed to providing safety to all who travel on Maryland highways to include our motorists, pedestrians, first responders, and work zone crews," Colonel Butler said. "This starts with paying attention and putting down the phone, maintaining a safe distance between vehicles and following the posted speed limit, ESPECIALLY the reduced speed limits in work zones..... Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can make sure every worker gets home safely after their job is done."
Remember - work zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever.
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The Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council recently recognized many students at the College of Southern Maryland who participated in our annual Public Service Announcement competition.
The students produced their own video and audio PSA's to highlight the mission of the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council and to remind motorists to take precautions to reduce the chances they have of becoming a victim of vehicle theft.
Great work by all of the students!!!
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a national observance started in 1949 by Mental Health America to bring attention to the importance of mental wellbeing.
Working in public safety for over 35 years has given me countless opportunities to witness the intrinsic link between mental health and physical health. The bottom line is that one cannot exist without the other, whether we’re discussing the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive function or the impacts of chronic pain on mood. EVERYONE has (a state of) mental health.
Last week, I presented at a state symposium for Peer Support Teams representing police, fire, and EMS agencies across Maryland. Below are some key takeaways for mental health awareness month and beyond. The linked articles are relevant to all personnel, regardless of assignment or designation as a first responder.
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Self-care is not selfish. One of my best friend colleagues is a retired behavioral analysis unit commander and I’m summarizing here, but he says we should make time today -- while still employed in high stress jobs -- to regularly engage in activities that promote wellness.
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Utilizing alternative wellness modalities can greatly benefit your health. Massage therapy, acupuncture, yoga, tai chi and meditation are all examples. In my private practice as a therapist, I’m trained in the utilization of guided imagery to heal trauma. A highly rated guided meditation to try on your way home: For First Responders On The Drive Home From Work | Bodie Bryte
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Yoga is not about flexibility; the goal is to promote holistic health and well-being by bringing the mind and body together. We have “Yoga For First Responders” instructors in Maryland, and I’m hoping to bring the course in-house. Try a 20-minute session here: Introduction to Yoga for First Responders - Lighthouse
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If you’re interested in massage therapy or acupuncture, check your health insurance website. There may be providers in your area who accept your insurance. Benefits: RMTAO - Massage Therapy for First Responders
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GET OUT INTO NATURE. Studies have shown that time in nature can lower blood pressure and stress hormone levels, reduce nervous system arousal, enhance immune system function, and improve mood. The mental health benefits of nature: Spending time outdoors to refresh your mind - Mayo Clinic Press
Happy Mental Health Awareness Month!
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Erica Carlson, LCSW-C, in the MDSP's first full-time Mental Health Clinical Provider. She has worked in the mental health profession for more than 30 years.
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Arlene Major is an Emergency Dispatcher Supervisor who is assigned to the Maryland State Police Golden Ring Barrack. She has been a valued member of the Department since 2009 and a role model for many of the less experienced Emergency Dispatchers.
Ms. Major has made a significant impact in the community during her time with the Department. She was recognized as the 2021 Emergency Dispatcher Supervisor of the Year.
While troopers are generally the "public" face of the Department, Emergency Dispatchers provide the link between citizens and troopers. While not as visible as troopers on the road, each Emergency Dispatcher is just as necessary and critical for the completion of the mission. They are the lifeline for our troopers and the public at large. So, thank you to all of our Emergency Dispatchers who work tirelessly to keep our troopers and citizens safe!
Are you interested in a career as an Emergency Dispatcher? Come help us create Maryland's Finest team. APPLY TODAY: https://tinyurl.com/3nwhnmmw
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(Annapolis, Md) -- Great work by Lt. Patrick Metzger (and Command Sgt. Maj. Metzger of the Maryland Army National Guard) on being recently credited by Gov. Wes Moore on his efforts to conceptualize the Time to Serve Act, which increases military leave for state employees who also serve in the National Guard and Reserves. |
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(Cumberland, Md.) -- Senior Trooper Merritt of the Cumberland Barrack recently visited to the Cumberland Boys & Girls Club, showing off his QB skills and spending time with the children there. |
(McHenry, Md.)-- -- Lieutenant Sigmund and Trooper First Class Hook from the McHenry Barrack visited first-grade students at Calvary Christian Academy for Community Helpers Week. Troopers engaged with students and students got a first-hand look at their patrol vehicles. |
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(Frederick, Md.) -- Trooper First Class Devin and Corporal Conklin of the Frederick Barrack met with the Frederick County 4-H Club. Troopers offered the children safety tips for social media and phone usage. |
(Forest Hill, Md.)--Trooper First Class Warble of the JFK Memorial Highway Barrack visited the Forest Hill Nature School for their Community Helpers Week. TFC Warble introduced students to the role of police in the community, explained a Trooper's duties, and the students even had a chance to explore his patrol vehicle. |
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(Prince Frederick, Md.) ---Trooper First Class Kreczmer of the Prince Frederick Barrack stopped by the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maryland, where he played board games, answered questions and hung out with this great group of kids! |
(Salisbury, Md.) -- Troopers from the Salisbury Barrack recently visited the Boys & Girls Club of America and participated in a few activities with the children. |
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