BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland State Police gathered on Wednesday at their headquarters in Pikesville to honor the 43 state troopers who died in the line of duty at the annual Fallen Heroes Ceremony. Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller and Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr. joined police survivor families at the event to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by these officers.
The ceremony also honored two troopers and a deputy state fire marshal killed while serving during World War II. “Each name we remember is a story–a story of courage and commitment,” said Lieutenant Governor Miller. “They chose a life of service, and in doing so, they accepted risks most would never take — to protect others, and to preserve the peace of our communities. While we are grateful that there are no new names added to the memorial this year, Fallen Heroes Day is an opportunity for us to show appreciation for those who risk their lives every day to protect us.”
Colonel Butler echoed this sentiment, stating, “We will never forget those who gave their lives to protect and serve. They were ordinary people who did extraordinary things. They were willing to risk their own safety to uphold the law and keep our communities safe.”
The Maryland State Police Memorial Garden, located at the center of the headquarters quadrangle, features three monuments bearing the names of the fallen. The largest monument, designed by the late Lt. John Sawa, was built by the Maryland State Police Alumni Association. A second monument honors the two troopers killed in World War II, and a third recognizes the fallen deputy state fire marshal. The memorial was designed by the late Lt. John Sawa, just months before his son, Trooper First Class John Sawa, was struck and killed by an impaired driver on I-95 in Havre de Grace.
The Maryland Department of State Police reaffirmed their commitment to remembering the fallen heroes and their families, pledging to uphold their tradition of service and sacrifice.
This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.
Photo via Maryland State Police
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