Bel Air Barrack State Trooper Richard Carroll III Named Baltimore Sun Police Officer Of The Year

(Pikesville, MD) – Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Terrence B. Sheridan is proudly commending a Bel Air Barrack trooper who received top honors for his talents as a skilled criminal investigator and committed public servant.

Trooper First Class Richard E. Carroll III, 30, was honored yesterday by the Baltimore Sun as their Police Officer of the Year. The award was presented to TFC Carroll in recognition of his criminal investigation expertise, leadership abilities and community service.

“The dedication and hard work displayed by this outstanding trooper in the performance of his duties is exemplary,” Colonel Terrence B. Sheridan, State Police Superintendent, said. “His investigative skills and commitment to public safety are standards for all law enforcement officers to follow.”

Trooper First Class Carroll is a life-long resident of Harford County who joined the Maryland State Police in 1999 after serving six years in the United States Marine Corps. Upon graduating from the police academy, TFC Carroll served at the Golden Ring Barrack in Baltimore County where he immediately established himself as a leader in criminal and traffic enforcement. In 2001, TFC Carroll transferred to the Bel Air Barrack so he could broaden his exposure to criminal investigations.

Trooper First Class Carroll made an immediate impact at the barrack, establishing himself as a leader and a driving force within the ranks. His hard work and criminal investigative skills did not go unnoticed. Nominated by his supervisor for Bel Air Barrack and Maryland State Police “Trooper of the Year” for 2002 and 2003, TFC Carroll received the award for the Bel Air Barrack in 2003.

In August 2006, wanting to further expand his knowledge and expertise in criminal investigations, TFC Carroll accepted a position in the Bel Air Barrack’s Criminal Investigation Section. His aggressive strive for excellence immediately established him a leader capable of tackling in-depth investigations and the most serious criminal enterprises. Trooper First Class Carroll’s thoroughness made him a standout criminal investigator.

In 2007, TFC Carroll was the lead investigator in numerous serious criminal cases. He was tasked with 10 death investigations, 6 attempted murder or aggravated assault investigations, 5 robberies, 1 kidnapping and rape, 69 burglaries, theft and automobile theft investigations, 4 embezzlement/identity theft and 4 missing persons cases. The investigative tenacity displayed by TFC Carroll in these complex criminal cases resulted in 24 felony arrests.

His supervisor, Sgt. James DeCourcey, said, “TFC Carroll naturally and readily assumes a leadership role. He is trusted and respected by command staff, supervisors, coworkers, allied agencies and the public he serves. His diligence with cases is surpassed by no one assigned at the Maryland State Police Bel Air Barrack. His patience and talents in interviewing individuals has earned him the respect of fellow law enforcement professionals and the criminals he has arrested.”

Trooper First Class Carroll’s past awards include the American Legion Department of Maryland Law Enforcement Officer of the Year and the Maryland State Police Alumni Association Trooper of the Year in 2003. He also serves his community as a nationally certified firefighter, serving with the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company for more than seven years.