LEONARDTOWN, MD — Community members gathered Saturday, July 30 to honor the families of those who made a career out of serving the community.
While patriotic tunes were turned up loud, many came out to the Maryland State Police Leonardtown- Barrack T to celebrate all those involved in the St. Mary’s Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police, local volunteer Emergency Service crews, and others.
“Without Blue lives, our lives would not matter,” said St. Mary’s County Assistant State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling, who is the daughter of Governor Larry Hogan. Sterling presented a Governors Proclamation to a young boy whose father is involved in the Sheriff’s Department.
He said he was proud of his father for being a police officer as he held the proclamation, the frame almost as big as he was.
“I want to be a K9 officer when I grow up,” he said.
Louise was standing on the sidewalk, waving a large black and white U.S. inspired flag, with a thin blue line stretched across it. “I am here today to support my local police departments. My husband is a retired police officer,” said Louise.
She didn’t worry about her husband when he put on his uniform while he served the community.
“I turned him over to God when he became a police officer when we first got married. He was in God’s hands because I couldn’t do it without him. I imagine that is how most police officers’ wives and husbands do it,” she said as she continued to wave her flag.
Molly Schmeiser, Ariel Carkuff and Kathleen Hammett organized the event in under 12 days with the help of community emails and separate Facebook event pages.
The idea to host the event came about after listening to inspiring music, said Schmeiser.
“I was listening to was “Do Something,” by Matthew West. And I was so upset over the murder of police officers. And the lyrics to the song say that instead of complaining, you should do something positive. This event is a tribute to this community who believes in sacrifice and service,” said Schmeiser.
Schmeiser also wanted to thank all law enforcement officers in the county and across the country.
“I also wanted to honor their families. We’re saying we support, respect and appreciate you. One person can make a difference. So this is a grateful community and we say thank you to those who stand to protect us every day when they put on their uniform,” said Schmeiser
Carkuff said this event was near and dear to her heart.
“The way the police have been treated throughout the nation is breaking my heart, and we want our local police to know that we love them and we support them and we have their backs,” said Carkuff.
For more information, check out the St. Mary’s County “Blue Out” Facebook page.
Contact Jacqui Atkielski at j.atkielski@thebaynet.com.
