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(PIKESVILLE, MD) - On September 18, retired and current Deputy State Fire Marshals, Maryland State Troopers, and partner agencies, gathered together to celebrate the 130th Anniversary of the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal.
Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr. joined Acting State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray, Jr. as the agency came together to recognize OSFM's history. The second oldest state law enforcement agency was created in 1894 by state law to “check incendiary fires and to aid in reducing the rate of insurance in the state.” Over the years, the agency moved from the Maryland Insurance Administration to the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services until 1997 when it became a part of the Maryland State Police.
To celebrate the momentous occasion, the agency held a procession to show evolution of the agency, followed by an exhibition of photos and artifacts at the Maryland Department of State Police Museum.
(PIKESVILLE, MD) - September 15 to September 21 was National Forensic Science Week and we want to take a moment to proudly recognize the exceptional work of the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division (MSP FSD). Spanning across three locations; Hagerstown, Pikesville, and Berlin, these professionals play a critical role in the Department. Personnel in the Forensic Sciences Division work tirelessly behind the scenes to uncover the truth and provide closure for victims and their families.
To celebrate the week, FSD held numerous events featuring a variety of guest speakers to a pie throwing contest.
Their unwavering commitment embodies the true spirit of Maryland's Finest, reminding us all that behind every case is a group of individuals dedicated to finding the truth. Their contributions continue to make Maryland a safe place to live, work, and visit, one case at a time. Thank you, MSP FSD, for all that you do!
 Deputy State's Attorney for Washington County, Sarah Gaumer, gives a presentation celebrating the impact of FSD on prosecution during National Forensic Science Week.
FUN FACT: Deputy State's Attorney Gaumer is Detective Sergeant Brian Gaumer's wife. The MDSP family coming full circle!
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 (L to R) - Dr. Ying Ren, Toxicology Unit and Dr. Haley Mulder, Chief Toxicologist on 'Twin Day.'
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 (L to R) - Dr. Daniel Katz, Director, Lieutenant Colonel Rosemary Chappell, Chief of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, and Amber McConnell, Biology Unit.
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(PIKESVILLE, MD) - The Maryland State Police Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) recently held a training session titled "An Exploration of The CROWN Act" aimed at deepening the understanding of natural hair textures and their cultural significance at MDSP.
Led by ODEI Deputy Director Dohney Schlau, the session focused on the impact of the CROWN Act -- a law prohibiting discrimination based on hair texture or style. The discussion encouraged thoughtful reflection on the MDSP Grooming Policy in relation to the legislation. Schlau shared insights, including how former First Lady Michelle Obama refrained from wearing braids due to concerns about media scrutiny.
Participants reflected on their own experiences, with some recounting how they altered their natural hair for job interviews.
“With this new perspective, we expect greater consideration, care and understanding, not only when enforcing the grooming and appearance policy, but also in daily interactions with colleagues; fostering a more inclusive and respectful work environment,” Schlau said.
 (L to R) - Pamela Bowles, Nadine Foote, Dohney Schlau, and Tia Stokes participate in "An Exploration of The CROWN Act."
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(PIKESVILLE, MD) - The Maryland Department of State Police continues to support employees in the undertaking of goal development, support, and the navigation of challenges while reinforcing the Agency's mission, vision, values, and goals through the Mentorship Program.
The Mentorship Program was created to provide career support and coaching to professional and sworn employees of the Maryland Department of State Police. Coordinated by the Professional Development Section (PDS) of the Education and Training Division (ETD), the program is open to all personnel who choose to participate. To become a mentor, please email First Sergeant Nick Iannucci at nicholas.iannucci@maryland.gov.
There are several minimum requirements to becoming a mentor. Professional employees must have a minimum of 10 years of service OR be a supervisor as well as have no open administrative investigations of a serious nature.
Sworn personnel must be among the following ranks: Senior Trooper/Master Trooper with at least ten years of service OR a Corporal, Sergeant, First/Detective Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Major or Lieutenant Colonel. The sworn personnel must have no open administrative investigations for category C, D, E, or F violations.
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(BERLIN, MD) - Worcester County Commissioners recently recognized the heroic actions of Trooper First Class Bradley and Trooper First Class Kreiling from MSP Berlin as well as Worcester County Sheriff Deputy Buffa and Deputy Shayne, following their heroic actions after a crash on August 4.
Around 12:30 a.m., the Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack and Worcester County Sheriff's Office responded to a serious crash on Route 50 near Racetrack Road. The crash, involving a passenger vehicle and a tanker truck transporting liquid chlorine, resulted in the passenger vehicle becoming engulfed in flames. The driver of the vehicle became trapped inside.
TFC Bradley, TFC Kreiling, Deputy Buffa, and Deputy Shayne immediately ran toward the burning vehicle without hesitation or regard for their own safety. They quickly worked as a team to utilize fire extinguishers to control the flames and safely extract the driver.
Each officer was presented with a Commendation for their heroic actions, which ultimately saved the life of the driver. Well done, TFC Bradley and TFC Kreiling!
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(SILVER SPRING, MD) - Master Trooper Lazard, of the Maryland State Police Automotive Safety Enforcement Division, recently paid it forward with a visit to Quality Time Learning Academy in Silver Spring, bringing goodie bags filled with school supplies for the students.
He additionally taught students about the differences between rules and laws, and when it's best to call 911. One child thought it was appropriate to call 911 during his haircut because he was unhappy with the process.
“They looked at me like I was a superhero,” Master Trooper Lazard said.
Making not just a great first impression, but a lasting one. Thank you, M/TPR Lazard, for going above and beyond. Well done!
(SOUTH CAROLINA) - In August, Behavioral Health and Crisis Services Director Eric Carlson deployed to Hurricane Debby for 6 days with Maryland Task Force 1 (MD-TF1).
MD-TF1 is a specialized Urban Search and Rescue team, whose home base is in Montgomery County. Task Force 1 is a Federal Emergency Management Agency task force that responds to natural and man-made disasters as part of the Federal Disaster Response Plan. This team is a group of highly trained individuals who specialize in disaster recovery, urban search and rescue, and emergency medicine and triage.
Made up of various first responders, medical professionals, canine/handler teams, and emergency managers, this team deploys to disaster and emergency sites within six hours of being notified.
Carlson is an experienced Emergency & Incident Manager as well as a former Paramedic. She was recruited for MD-TF1 and had to complete a rigorous in-processing program in order to become deployable. She also assists MD-TF1 with Peer Support and Critical Incidents.
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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.
As we celebrate National Filipino American History Month, we recognize the achievements and contributions of our Maryland Department of State Police family. In this month's IMPACT, meet Senior Trooper Jerico Ninal.
He is currently assigned to the Maryland State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division at the West Friendship Weight and Inspection Facility in Howard County. While the inspection facility is technically located in Howard County, this unit handles calls for service in both Howard and Carroll counties.
His responsibilities include patrolling and responding to incidents related to commercial motor vehicle (CMV) traffic, ensuring trucks are compliant with safety regulations as well as assisting with CMV-related crashes, conducting roadside inspections, and ensuring Maryland’s roads remain safe by inspecting for weight and safety compliance.
 "I was inspired to pursue a career with MDSP to be a part of something great and to be able to have a positive impact on my community and family, able to offer help to those in need," says Ninal. "I wanted to have a respectable and rewarding profession that my family can be proud of."
National Filipino American History Month provides MDSP the opportunity to honor and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of our own personnel like S/Tpr Ninal. He says that his family does not stray away from Filipino culture. Traditional Filipino dishes are a staple at home, even if his kids aren’t always fans! He often brings leftovers to work, sharing them with colleagues—though he does give a ‘try at your own risk’ warning. He teaches his children the traditional language, Tagalog, so they stay connected to their roots and is even planning to take them to the Philippines one day.
He says, "To be a Filipino-American and be part of a great organization like the Maryland State Police is an honor. Being recognized as a Filipino-American Maryland State Trooper brings a sense of pride and accomplishment."
MDSP is proud to honor you, S/Tpr Ninal.
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(PIKESVILLE, MD) – For the first time in over three and half years, the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal welcomed its newest, non-lateral, sworn investigator. Deputy State Fire Marshal Sierra Hawkins graduated from the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission in Sykesville in early September.
Hawkins, at 23, is one of the youngest investigators appointed in the agency's history and the first non-lateral transfer since the fall of 2020. She graduated from the University of New Haven with a major in Fire Science and a minor in English and interned with the Southern Regional Office in 2022.
She is assigned to the Lower Eastern Regional Office, serving Dorchester, Wicomico, and Somerset counties.
Deputy Hawkins is the first Black female to hold the Deputy State Fire Marshal position in the agency's 130-year history.
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(BEL AIR, MD) -- On August 27, Trooper First Class Warble, Senior Trooper Rogers and Senior Trooper Bracken, as well as MSP Cadets participated in the Harford County National Night Out event at the Harford County Equestrian Center. |
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(LA PLATA, MD) -- Personnel from the Southern Troop; Leonardtown, Prince Frederick, and La Plata, joined together for the 1st Annual Kids and Cruisers Car Show at Regency Furniture Stadium on August 24. Troopers were able to distribute backpacks to the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maryland. |
(FREDERICK, MD) – Trooper First Class Sweckard and Trooper First Class Oyola, Senior Trooper Smith, and Cadets Small and Fogle recently attended the Frederick Fair. |
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(SALISBURY, MD) - Deputy McIntyre, Deputy Thomas, Deputy Hawkins with K9 Deacon, K9 Paulie and retired K9 Billie as well as Deputy Chief Bomb Technician Stevens represented the Office of the State Fire Marshal at the 2nd annual 1st Responders event for the Lower Shore Autism Community on September 15 in Salisbury.
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(STOCKTON, MD) - On September 14, Deputy Hawkins and Deputy Thomas, accompanied by K-9 Deacon, represented OSFM at the Stockton Volunteer Fire Company's 100th Anniversary Celebration. |
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(PARSONSBURG,MD) - Deputy Chief and Bomb Technician Stevens, along with Deputy Thomas and his K9 partner Deacon represented OSFM at the Parsonsburg's Volunteer Fire Company's 100th Anniversary on September 8. |
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The Maryland Department of State Police is committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion within our Department and within the communities we serve.
The focus of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion includes comprehensive training programs, community outreach and recruitment efforts aimed at building a team that reflects the diverse population of Maryland.
Together, we strive to create an inclusive environment where every individual is respected and valued.
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