SMCSO and Southern Maryland Young Marines Unit Develop Partnership

An act of kindness has morphed into an ongoing partnership between the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and the Southern Maryland Young Marines Unit. The Young Marines' mission is to impact America's future positively by providing quality youth development programs for boys and girls. These programs nurture and help members develop into responsible citizens who enjoy and promote a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. Recently, the Southern Maryland Young Marines Unit was selected for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Enrique “KiKi” Camarena Division Award. The award honors six units, one award per division, for drug demand reduction efforts through community education and peer-to-peer role modeling.

In recognition of their common cause, the Young Marines invited deputies from the Sheriff's Office to their Saturday, July 16, 2016 meeting, for light refreshments and conversation. During the meeting, the officers volunteered to take part in an impromptu panel discussion. They encouraged the Young Marines to ask them open and honest questions about recent events surrounding law enforcement and told the Young Marines how mutual respect between citizens and law enforcement officers can have a positive impact on interactions between the two. 

The officers also spoke about the nature of leadership and shared the characteristics of leaders. When the Young Marines told the officers about their own drug reduction efforts, the idea of the partnership was born.

“When we learned the Young Marines wanted to get involved, we immediately recognized the benefit of bringing this group of young men and women into Sheriff’s Office initiatives to help us change the culture surrounding drug misuse and abuse in St. Mary’s County. We can police, we can educate, but you start to see the fruits of your labor when community groups such as the Young Marines get involved,” says Capt. Daniel Alioto of the Sheriff's Office. “We are both working toward the same goal in the community. Why not bring the two together and extend our resources?”

After the initial meeting, deputies began brainstorming on how to utilize Young Marines in a way that would connect with their mission. Corporal Peggy Smolarskly, Leonardtown Community Policing Deputy, proposed involving the Young Marines in community policing events, specifically in downtown Leonardtown.

In addition, Young Marines will act as Camp D.A.R.E. counselors, under the leadership of Cpl. Angela Delozier. The previous work by Young Marines in drug-demand reduction efforts will be valuable to the Camp D.A.R.E. program, and as counselors, they will play a vital role in helping to coordinate Camp D.A.R.E. Also, they will be able to enhance their leadership skills by serving as youth leaders.

Further, during Red Ribbon Week, an alcohol, tobacco, violence prevention awareness campaign observed annually in October in the United States, the Sheriff’s Office and the Young Marines will co-host “Chasing the Dragon”. "Chasing the Dragon" is an FBI documentary that attempts to combat the surge in heroin addiction through increased awareness and features interviews with survivors of substance abuse and family members of those suffering from addiction.

On Thursday, August 4, Southern Maryland Young Marines Unit Adjutant, Mrs. Leigh Willis, and her son, Young Marine Sgt. Jake Willis, met with Sheriff’s Office deputies, to discuss these and other ideas. Sheriff Tim Cameron says, “We are excited to partner with this bright group of young men and leaders in our community. We have formed a mutually-beneficial partnership with will serve the community and the youth in St. Mary’s County for years to come.”

Rob Willis, Unit Commander, Southern Maryland Young Marines, concurs, “As a National Youth Organization, we are committed to creating the next generation of leaders and engaged citizens. The Southern Maryland Young Marines are excited about our partnership with the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office as we seek to impact young men and women in communities across Southern Maryland in a positive way.”

First Sergeant John Vanhoy, Captain Daniel Alioto, and Captain Steven Hall meet with the Southern Maryland Young Marines Unit.

Captain Daniel Alioto, Unit Adjutant Mrs. Leigh Willis, and her son Young Marine Sgt. Jake Willis meet with Corporal Angela Delozier and Corporal Peggy Smolarsky to discuss future ways for the Sheriff's Office and the Young Marines to partner. 

Incident Briefs 8/5/2016 – 8/8/2016

Burglary – Unknown suspect(s) forced entry into a vacant residence on Cambridge Avenue in Lexington Park. CASE# 40284-16

Burglary – Unknown suspect(s) entered a residence and stole property in the 21000 block of Edgar Way in Lexington Park. Deputy S. Shelko is investigating the case. CASE#40306-16

Burglary – Unknown suspect(s) unlocked a window in the 13000 block of Point Lookout Road in Ridge. Deputy T. Wesner is investigating the case. CASE# 40307-16

Burglary – Unknown suspect(s) entered a residence and displaced a victim’s personal items. Deputy T. Wesner is investigating the case. CASE# 40356-16

Property Destruction – Unknown suspect(s) damaged a victim’s personal property in the 48000 block of Surfside Drive in Lexington Park. Deputy D. Lawrence is investigating the case. CASE# 40357-16

Burglary – Unknown suspect(s) forced entry into a garage and stole property on Esperanza Drive in Lexington Park. Deputy First Class R. Steinbach is investigating the case. CASE# 40401-16

Property Destruction – Unknown suspect(s) damaged a victim’s outside pond on Esperanza Drive in Lexington Park. Deputy First Class R. Steinbach is investigating the case. CASE# 40407-16

As part of our continued effort to increase public awareness, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office provides a daily (excluding weekends) report called Incident Briefs. The report contains selected crimes, which are of interest to the residents of St. Mary’s County. Addresses shown indicate blocks and not specific locations. This report is not a comprehensive list of every police event in St. Mary’s County during the stated time frame.

Note: The information contained in the Incident Brief report is based on initial reports made to the Sheriff’s Office. Follow-up investigations may reveal different information.

If you have any questions regarding information contained in the Incident Report contact Jennifer Stone, Public Information Officer, at 301-475-4200, ext. *1922, or by email at Jennifer.Stone@stmarysmd.com.

Incident Briefs 8/5/2016

Theft – Unknown suspect(s) removed copper wire from a truck parked at Myrtle Point Park in California. Deputy Muschete is investigating the incident. CASE# 40083-16

Arson – A motor vehicle engulfed in flames was located in the 37000 block of Manor Road in Chaptico. The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene and assumed the investigation.

As part of our continued effort to increase public awareness, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office provides a daily (excluding weekends) report called Incident Briefs. The report contains selected crimes, which are of interest to the residents of St. Mary’s County. Addresses shown indicate blocks and not specific locations. This report is not a comprehensive list of every police event in St. Mary’s County during the stated time frame.

Note: The information contained in the Incident Brief report is based on initial reports made to the Sheriff’s Office. Follow-up investigations may reveal different information.

If you have any questions regarding information contained in the Incident Report contact Jennifer Stone, Public Information Officer, at 301-475-4200, ext. *1922, or by email at Jennifer.Stone@stmarysmd.com.

Incident Briefs 8/4/2016

Breaking and Entering to a Motor Vehicle – Unknown suspect(s) entered a motor vehicle and stole a handicap placard in the 21000 block of Cinnamon Way in Lexington Park. Deputy First Class T. Teague is investigating the case. CASE# 40033-16

As part of our continued effort to increase public awareness, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office provides a daily (excluding weekends) report called Incident Briefs. The report contains selected crimes, which are of interest to the residents of St. Mary’s County. Addresses shown indicate blocks and not specific locations. This report is not a comprehensive list of every police event in St. Mary’s County during the stated time frame.

Note: The information contained in the Incident Brief report is based on initial reports made to the Sheriff’s Office. Follow-up investigations may reveal different information.

If you have any questions regarding information contained in the Incident Report contact Jennifer Stone, Public Information Officer, at 301-475-4200, ext. *1922, or by email at Jennifer.Stone@stmarysmd.com.

St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, Corrections Division Announces Retirements

Sergeant Anthony T. Fenwick Retires After Twenty-Five Years of Service

On July 31, 2016, Sgt. Anthony T. Fenwick of the St. Mary’s County Detention Center retired after 25 years of dedicated service. Sgt. Fenwick began his career on August 12, 1991, and completed his Academy training on November 22, 1991. In July 1998 he was promoted to Correctional Officer First Class and promoted again in December 2013 to Corporal. In 2013 he received the rank of Sergeant after Rank Restructure.

Sgt. Fenwick led a very successful career in the Detention Center. In addition to being one of the original members of the Emergency Response Team, he was a Field Training Officer, Transport Supervisor, Operations Squad Supervisor and a K-9 Officer, with his partner Bandy, within the facility.

The Sheriff’s Office congratulates Sgt. Fenwick on his retirement and wishes him well in all of his future endeavors.

Sergeant Selina M.  Dorsey Retires After  Twenty-Five Years of Service

Sgt. Selina M. Dorsey of the St. Mary’s County Detention Center retired after 25 years of dedicated service on January 29, 2016. Sgt. Dorsey began her career on January 7, 1991, and completed her academy training in July of that year. In July 1997 Sgt. Dorsey was promoted to Correctional Officer First Class and promoted again to Corporal in August 2000. In July 2013 Sgt. Dorsey was promoted to Sergeant after Rank Restructure.

Sgt. Dorsey led a very successful career in the Detention Center. In addition to being one of the original members of the Emergency Response Team, she was a Field Training Officer, Operations Squad Supervisor and a member of the Transport Division. Sgt. Dorsey also became a Duly Authorized Inspector for the Maryland Commission Correctional Standards. 

The Sheriff’s Office congratulates Sgt. Dorsey on her retirement and wishes her well in all of her future endeavors.

“I consider it an honor to have worked with two great people who committed 25 years of their lives to serving this community and walking one of the toughest beats in law enforcement.” Captain Michael R. Merican, Warden of the St. Mary’s County Detention Center

Incident Briefs 8/3/2016

Vandalism – Unknown suspect(s) damaged a resident’s window and motor vehicle in the 21000 block of Cambridge Avenue in Lexington Park. The case is being investigated by Corporal Knott. CASE# 39830-16

As part of our continued effort to increase public awareness, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office provides a daily (excluding weekends) report called Incident Briefs. The report contains selected crimes, which are of interest to the residents of St. Mary’s County. Addresses shown indicate blocks and not specific locations. This report is not a comprehensive list of every police event in St. Mary’s County during the stated time frame.

Note: The information contained in the Incident Brief report is based on initial reports made to the Sheriff’s Office. Follow-up investigations may reveal different information.

If you have any questions regarding information contained in the Incident Report contact Jennifer Stone, Public Information Officer, at 301-475-4200, ext. *1922, or by email at Jennifer.Stone@stmarysmd.com.

In Light of Recent Tragedies Affecting the Country Local Churches Hold “Praise in the Park”

In light of the recent tragedies involving law enforcement officers across the country, several pastors of local churches joined in holding “Praise in the Park” and other prayer events recently. The officers and staff of St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office were specially invited guests to the event, which was held at the Chancellors Run in Lexington Park. The event drew a large crowd of residents, who gathered to pray for the community and those who are sworn to protect it. 

During the meeting, local pastors took turns praying for the community, praying for law enforcement officers in St. Mary’s County, and praying for law enforcement officers all over the country. The pastors graciously allowed the invited officers to say a few words regarding the recent tragedies involving law enforcement officers; then all participants joined hands for a prayer circle. After the final prayer, the officers were warmly embraced, receiving many hugs and expressions of appreciation from the attendees. 

The Sheriff’s Office extends its gratitude for this special event to Pastor Roderick McClanahan of Missionary Baptist Church, who hosted the event. Also, officers give special thanks to Pastor John Briscoe of Restoration Free Gospel Church, Pastor James Bell of God's House of Refuge, and Pastor Jason Staten of Living Hope Church. Lastly, the officers express their heartfelt gratitude for the residents and members of the congregation who offered support and compassion to the law enforcement officers in attendance.

SMCSO Announces National Night Out Participating Communities

This evening, Tuesday, August 2, 2016, from 6 pm-8 pm, neighborhoods throughout St. Mary’s County are invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the 33rd Annual National Night Out crime and drug prevention event. National Night Out is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) and will involve over 11,000 communities from all 50 states, US territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world.

National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anti-crime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships and send a message to criminals letting them know our neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Below is a listing of participating communities in St. Mary’s County. If you do not see your community listed and would like to sign up your community or obtain more information for next year, contact Corporal Angela Delozier at Angela.Delozier@stmarysmd.com.

Participating Communities:

St. Joseph’s Community Center – Mechanicsville

Spring Valley Apartments – Lexington Park

Woodland Acres – California

Cherry Cove – Lexington Park

Country Lakes – Mechanicsville

Leonard’s Freehold – Leonardtown

Lexington Village – Lexington Park

Golden Beach/Patuxent Knolls – Mechanicsville

South Hampton – Lexington Park

Persimmon Hill – Mechanicsville

Valley Drive Estates – Lexington Park

Greenbrier Community – Lexington Park

Bay Ridge Estates – Lexington Park

Wicomico Shores – Chaptico

Colony Square – Lexington Park

Lexwood Community – Lexington Park

7th District Fire Department – Bushwood

Wildewood – California

Connect with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office through social media tonight @firstsheriff and by using the hashtag #NNO2016.

Open Enrollment for 2016 Fall Citizens Academy

Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron announces open enrollment for the 2016 Fall Citizens Academy. The academy is designed to give an inside look into our day-to-day operations. Sessions are held on Thursday nights from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. for an eight week period. The 2016 Fall Session of Citizens Academy will begin on August 25th, 2016 and end on October 13th, 2016. 

Persons interested must be over the age of 18 and submit an application. To register for the academy, contact Ms. Kelly Castle at (301) 4754200 ext. *1910, Kelly.Castle@stmarysmd.com or apply online at www.firstsheriff.com

Citizens Academy classes fill up quickly, so reserve your seat today!

Incident Briefs 7/29/16 – 8/2/2016

Burglary – Unknown suspect(s) entered a residence and stole property in the 20000 block of Harvest Mill Court in Great Mills. Deputy D. McClure is investigating the case. CASE# 39028-16

Breaking and Entering to a Motor Vehicle – Unknown suspect(s) forced entry into a motor vehicle in the area of Goddard Court in Leonardtown. Corporal M. Rogers is investigating the case. CASE# 39080-16

Burglary – Unknown suspect(s) damaged a window to a church in the 46000 block of South Shangri-La Drive in Lexington Park. Deputy S. Bowie is investigating the case. CASE# 39520-16

As part of our continued effort to increase public awareness, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office provides a daily (excluding weekends) report called Incident Briefs. The report contains selected crimes, which are of interest to the residents of St. Mary’s County. Addresses shown indicate blocks and not specific locations. This report is not a comprehensive list of every police event in St. Mary’s County during the stated time frame.

Note: The information contained in the Incident Brief report is based on initial reports made to the Sheriff’s Office. Follow-up investigations may reveal different information.

If you have any questions regarding information contained in the Incident Report contact Jennifer Stone, Public Information Officer, at 301-475-4200, ext. 1922, or by email at Jennifer.Stone@stmarysmd.com.