|
 
(TIMONIUM, MD) – Maryland Department of State Police Superintendent Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr., on April 30 presented awards for outstanding service and recognized employees of the year for the Department, including the announcement of the statewide Trooper, Non-Commissioned Officer, Emergency Dispatcher Supervisor, Emergency Dispatcher and Civilian Employee of the Year for 2023.
During a ceremony that recognized members of the Maryland Department of State Police for their outstanding service, Trooper Ethan Sigman was named Trooper of the Year. He is assigned to the Golden Ring Barrack. Corporal Charles Tittle, of the Criminal Enforcement Division, was named Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year. The 2023 Emergency Dispatcher of the Year was awarded to Diane Rosenthal of the Hagerstown Barrack. Angela Keyser, also of the Hagerstown Barrack, was honored as the Emergency Dispatcher Supervisor of the Year. Joyce Fields, who is assigned to the Medical Services Unit, was recognized as the 2023 Maryland State Police Civilian of the Year.
The annual Maryland State Police Awards Ceremony was held at the Maryland State Fairgrounds and was attended by families, friends, and co-workers of award recipients. Awards were also presented for incidents involving troopers and employees who went above and beyond the call of duty while serving and protecting the people of Maryland.
|
|
(PIKESVILLE, MD) – Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller and the Maryland Department of State Police on May 8 honored those in the Department who have lost their lives in the line of duty at the annual Fallen Heroes Ceremony.
Lieutenant Governor Miller accompanied Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr. and the surviving family members of 43 fallen state troopers and a fallen deputy chief state fire marshal to honor their services to Maryland. Two troopers who were killed while on active duty in World War II were also remembered.
Hundreds of people, including active and retired state troopers and deputy state fire marshals, attended the ceremony.
The ceremony also included a tribute from Captain Brian Smith to Trooper First Class Anthony Jones. Trooper First Class Jones was fatally struck by an impaired driver on May 9, 2004.
To learn more about MDSP's fallen heroes, visit: https://mdsp.maryland.gov/Pages/FallenHeroes.aspx
|
|
(ROSEDALE, MD) -- Six staff members from the Maryland Department of State Police on Friday received awards for their heroism, outstanding service and efforts to promote safety at the annual State Employees Risk Management Administration (SERMA) 2024 Conference.
Aviation Command Flight Paramedics First Sergeant David Svites, Sergeant Joshua Heins, Corporal Kristie Peterson and State Aeromedical Director Dr. Douglas Floccare received the Award of Heroism for their work in implementing the Whole Blood Program.
Since its inception in Maryland on May 10, 2023, the Whole Blood Program has allowed for 122 units of whole blood to be administered to 101 patients. Whole blood is used to treat the most critically injured during transport on the AW139 helicopters.
Department Risk Manager Margaret Michel received The Linda Brooks Memorial Award for outstanding performance and commitment to risk management and occupational safety. She has worked tirelessly throughout her 19-year career to ensure that all state employees receive up-to-date information on occupational safety.
Forensic Photography Supervisor Amy Hager received the Individual Achievement Award for raising awareness on employee safety. She photographed, designed, edited and collaborated on numerous campaign projects to enhance the health and safety of all state employees.
“The contributions that our sworn and civilian personnel have made to ensure the safety of our workforce and implement lifesaving programs is immeasurable,” said Maryland State Police Aviation Commander Major Michael Tagliaferri. “The Department is truly grateful to have people like them among the ranks of Maryland’s Finest.”
|
|
|
(LEONARDTOWN, MD) – The Maryland State Police Aviation Command on May 20 rescued an injured hiker at St. Mary’s River State Park.
At approximately noon on May 20, the Maryland State Police Aviation Command was requested to assist St. Mary’s County fire personnel with the extrication of an injured hiker, who was located three miles into St. Mary’s River State Park in Leonardtown, Maryland.
Trooper-7, based out of St. Mary’s Regional Airport, responded to the scene and maneuvered the AW-139 helicopter into a 120-foot hover. Once in place, a state trooper/flight paramedic was deployed from the helicopter to assess and prepare the patient to be hoisted into the helicopter.
Under direction and coordination between the flight paramedic and ground personnel, the hiker was placed into a patient extrication platform and successfully hoisted into the helicopter. Once the patient was brought into the helicopter, the flight crew transitioned into a medevac role and transported the hiker to the University of Maryland Capital Regional Medical Center in Largo, Maryland, for treatment of their injuries.
The Maryland State Police Aviation Command has served the Maryland since 1970 and operates a fleet of 10 AW-139 helicopters from seven bases throughout the state. Each aircraft provides round-the-clock coverage to Maryland residents and visitors. The agency’s missions include medevac, law enforcement, search and rescue, homeland security and disaster assessment. The success of the missions relies heavily on the cooperative efforts of local fire, rescue, EMS, law enforcement agencies and our partners at the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Park Police.
|
|
|
(MIDDLE RIVER, MD) -- The Maryland State Police Underwater Recovery Team recently joined forces with allied agencies for a week of water rescue training behind Martin State Airport. Fifty participants tackled a downed aircraft scenario, similar to an incident that happened about 30 years ago.
“This isn’t something you can learn in a classroom or from a book— you have to dive in and experience it firsthand,” said Corporal Brian Key of the Maryland State Police Underwater Recovery Team.
The Maritime Tactical Operations Group (MTOG) practiced underwater recovery with teams from the Maryland State Police, Prince George’s County Police, Natural Resources Police, Baltimore County Police, the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the United States Coast Guard Strike Team. Each team brought their own unique skills and equipment to the scenario, using Sonar and Remotely Operated Vehicle systems to locate and find the downed airplane, bodies, and debris.
When the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed in March, these teams were some of the first on scene and it was their previous training that helped prepare them for the unthinkable. Hands-on experiences like these ensure they are prepared and equipped for any emergency.
|
|
|
(JESSUP, MD) -- On May 17, current and retired Maryland Department of State Police employees gathered together at the Special Operations Division building in Jessup, Maryland to celebrate the 90th birthday of Mr. Chu Tae Kim, a longtime employee of the Motor Vehicle Division.
You may not know “Cpl” Kim by name, but if you’ve ever picked up or dropped off a vehicle at the Motor Vehicle Division garage at Waterloo, you’ve seen his work. For the past 18 years, Mr. Kim has meticulously “up-fitted” every Maryland State Police patrol vehicle, ensuring each one is perfect before it hits the road.
Born in Seoul, South Korea in 1934, he became a U.S. citizen in 1977, settling in Baltimore. His passion for automotive work began over 60 years ago in Korea, working as an auto mechanic for the 7th Infantry Division, APO7. After moving to the U.S., he worked as a truck mechanic before joining the State of Maryland in 1986. He officially started with MDSP in 1994, retired six years later, and returned in 2022 to contractually work for MVD, where he still currently works.
Mr. Kim, aka “Boss," is known for his dedication, precision and pride in his work. Supervisors and colleagues praise his work ethic and eagerness to help. Despite the challenges of new technology, he continuously learns and adapts, bringing enthusiasm to every task. Mr. Kim officially turned 90 on May 18, and we celebrated not just his birthday but his incredible contributions to MDSP. We are grateful to have him a part of our MDSP family.
Happy Birthday, Mr. Kim. Thank you for your decades of service.
|
|
June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month. PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event such as combat, natural disasters, car accidents or sexual assault. The frequency and severity of exposure to critical incidents are important factors in the likelihood of developing PTSD. Police officers are exposed to an average of 178 critical incidents throughout their career, while the average person encounters two to three traumatic events in their life.
A recent documentary, "PTSD911" sought to highlight the issues first responders face as it related to PTSD. The documentary's director, Conrad Weaver, a Maryland resident, said "PTSD911" reveals first responders’ untold stories, shedding light on the profound trauma and hidden tolls impacting their lives.”
"PTSD911" was awarded “Best Documentary” at the 2024 Maryland International Film Festival. Last month, I was invited by the Charles County Sheriff’s Office to join the director -- as well as one of the first responders highlighted in the film -- to participate in a post-screening question and answer session. As a panel, we discussed topics with the audience such as:
- You can have post-traumatic stress symptoms without meeting all of the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis. Experiencing symptoms after a major trauma is normal and even expected. However, if symptoms persist and interfere with daily life, a consultation with a therapist is recommended.
- Specific criteria are utilized to determine whether a person meets the threshold for a diagnosis of PTSD. To be diagnosed with PTSD, an adult must have all of the following for at least 1 month:
- At least one re-experiencing symptom
- At least one avoidance symptom
- At least two arousal and reactivity symptoms
- At least two cognition and mood symptoms.
- There are treatments for PTSD, and most people can recover and/or experience symptom relief. The primary treatment for PTSD is therapy, but it can also include medication.
- Early intervention can make a big difference in the recovery process.
- A mental health professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker can determine whether symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.
- June 27 is PTSD Screening Day. If you’re interested in participating, use the links below to complete a self-assessment. Email me at ericas.carlson@maryland.gov, or contact the medical director, or another healthcare provider if you’d like to discuss your score.
Wishing you health and healing.
____
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.
|
|
(MIDDLE RIVER, MD) -- Trooper Chloe Schlothauer recently graduated as a member of the 157th Trooper Candidate Academy Class. Trooper Schlothauer is a former EMS provider who grew up in the Middle River community in Baltimore County.
After graduating, Trooper Schlothauer reflected on what it meant for her to join the ranks of Maryland's Finest. Are you interested in a career with the Maryland Department of State Police?
Click below to apply today.
|
|
(Forestville, MD) – On May 16, Trooper Shai, Trooper Butt, and Trooper Smith of the Forestville Barrack assisted in handing out award medals to the high school athletes at the 2024 IUS Track and Field State invitational hosted by Special Olympics Maryland. |
|
 |
 |
|
(Forestville, MD) -- Trooper Ware from the Forestville Barrack visited Port Towns Elementary School for their Career Day. Students also had the chance to check out Trooper Ware's patrol vehicle. |
(Rockville, MD)-- Trooper First Class Brooke Cosgrove and Lieutenant Vince Upole of the Rockville Barrack took part in the National Institute of Health Police Day. Law enforcement from around Montgomery County and Washington, D.C. came together to honor police service and showcase their departments to the NIH community. |
|
 |
 |
|
(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. |
(Berlin, MD) -- Trooper First Class Bradley and Trooper O'Donald from the Berlin Barrack teamed up with members of the Boys & Girls Club against the Pocomoke City Police Department in a match of tug of war. |
|
 |
 |
|
(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! |
|
|
|
|
|
