Sheriff's Dept. holds open house

May 22, 2005|by DANIEL J. SERNOVITZ

HAGERSTOWN - The Washington County Sheriff's Department held an open house and memorial service for fallen officers Saturday afternoon as part of National Police Week held from May 15 to 21.

Capt. Douglas Mullendore said the event was designed to educate the public on what his department does and to remember the 154 federal, state and local law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

"It's educational for the public, to let the public know what we do, what it is we do and why we do certain things," he said. "It's educational, it's great interest with the kids, for them to see police officers in an environment like this where they can see we are human beings."

Mullendore said the department has not lost an officer since Deputy Thomas Hardy was killed on Oct. 10, 1905. In that incident, the officer and two others were searching for a suspect wanted for committing a crime in Baltimore.

Officers now wear bulletproof vests and train in real-life scenarios to prepare themselves for situations such as the one Hardy faced. Still, Mullendore said, his officers are no less mindful of the risks they face.

"It is always a reality, but through training, we put them through live scenarios so that they know how to react in those situations," he said. "You're always aware of that, even during traffic stops, they're very cognizant of that."

In addition to tours of the department's patrol division, residents were treated to a variety of displays and live demonstrations as part of the open house.

Hagerstown resident Diane Kline attended the event with her daughter. "We thought it would be interesting for the kids to come out and learn about what goes on out at the sheriff's department," Kline said.

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