Baltimore, Maryland - U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur sent the following message to law enforcement officers serving in Maryland:
“Working with the exceptional men and women of Maryland law enforcement is one of the true highlights of my work as U.S. Attorney. To witness daily the courage and honor with which they serve is inspirational, and a source of pride to be part of such a dedicated profession that risks all in service to others. Thank you for your courage and your devotion to justice."
In 2019, National Peace Officers Memorial Day falls on Wednesday, May 15. The official dates for National Police Week are May 12 through May 18, although many events are taking place before or after those dates. During National Police Week, we pay tribute to police officers who have died in the line of duty and give thanks to officers who faithfully protect and serve.
This year, according to the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, the names of 158 officers killed in the line of duty in 2018 will be engraved on the wall of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. Sadly, two Maryland officers will be added to the Memorial this year:
Sergeant Mujahid Abdul Mumin Ramzziddin
Prince George's County Police Department, MD
Police Officer Amy Sorrells Caprio
Baltimore County Police Department, MD
Every day agents, officers, deputies, and troopers risk their lives to protect our communities. For example, in April of 2019, a convicted felon was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison after his conviction of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Court records show that two Baltimore police officers responding to a call for a man with a gun approached a suspect who produced a firearm. In the ensuing struggle, the suspect shot and wounded one officer, but was quickly taken into custody without further violence. That violent repeat offender will spend over a decade in federal prison, and the community is safer for the valiant efforts of those two police officers.
The successful collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement are a testament to the diligence, courage, and dedication of its members. Due to the extraordinary efforts of these professionals, violent individuals are removed from our neighborhoods. For example, on Oct. 31, 2018, Terrell Sivells of Baltimore was convicted for his role in a racketeering conspiracy that included eight murders and drug trafficking. He was subsequently sentenced to life in prison. Members of the Baltimore City and Anne Arundel County Police Departments, the FBI, ATF, and DEA, along with prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office investigated and prosecuted Sivells, his brother Montana Barronette, and their fellow gang members for murder, drug distribution, armed robbery and witness intimidation. They were part of a gang known as Trained To Go (TTG) that operated in the Sandtown neighborhood of West Baltimore, and was one of the most violent gangs in the City.
These cases are but two examples of the extraordinary work done by law enforcement officers and agents in Maryland. During this week of national recognition, it is appropriate that we thank and honor these dedicated professionals. It is even more important that we never forget their service, bravery, and sacrifice.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
