Bel Air Barrack State Trooper Richard Carroll III Named Baltimore Sun Police Officer Of The Year
October 6, 2008
(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.
Community Healing Night In Edgewood On Oct. 24
October 6, 2008
COMMUNITY HEALING NIGHT
Friday, October 24, 2008 from 6:00PM ~ 10:00PM at Edgewood Recreation & Community Center 1980 Brookside Drive Edgewood, MD 21040.
Featuring 92Q Jams and a CPR Course in memory of K-Swift.
Tariq Sharif Alston
1986-2008
Samuel David Horne II
1982-2007
David Arnold Byrd
1977-2007
Kevin Harold Rowlette
1986-2006
Walter Antonio Overton
1986-2007
Tyree Eugene Brown
1984-2007
Derald Howard Guess
1967-2004
Kevin Philip Williams
1990-2008
Randolph Mendon Goodson
1976-2006
Waverly Corey Lewis
1987-2006
HOSTED BY:
Harford County Government, Edgewood Community Council, Fountain of Life Fellowship Church, Robert & Daphne Alston and Mildred Samy.
Guest Speakers, Entertainment, Refreshments.
Comprehensive Zoning Review To Begin At $800 Per Application
October 5, 2008
(Bel Air, MD – October 1, 2008) - - Under Harford County’s Comprehensive Zoning Review Process, property owners interested in obtaining a zoning change may pick up an information packet and application form beginning October 15, 2008 from the Harford County Department of Planning and Zoning, 2nd floor, 220 South Main Street in Bel Air. Completed applications will be accepted through December 15, 2008. Each application submitted must be accompanied by an $800.00 application fee.
Department officials will utilize the 2004 Master Plan and Land Use Element as a policy guide for reviewing each application. The Comprehensive Zoning Review will examine all zoning maps in the County to ensure consistency with land use policies.
Since the 2005/2006 Comprehensive Zoning Bill was vetoed by County Executive Craig, the County began working on a rewrite of the Zoning Code. The rewrite has been a culmination of efforts from workgroups to citizen input. It is anticipated that a new Zoning Code will be adopted by the end of October. As property owners consider rezoning applications, attention should be given to the new Zoning Code from new design standards to the permitted use charts for each zoning classification.
Once the application period ends, requests will undergo a technical review by County planners as well as the five-member Planning Advisory Board. Additionally, Department officials, along with Board members will conduct public informational meetings.
More information will be available after October 15th on the County’s website at www.harfordcountymd.gov/PlanningZoning or contact the Department at 410.638.3103
Overturned Tractor Trailer And Flammable Liquid Leak Close All I-95 Lanes In Aberdeen
October 4, 2008
TRAFFIC ADVISORY- I-95 ROAD CLOSURE
(Aberdeen, MD)- Due an ongoing Maryland State Police crash investigation, all north and southbound lanes of I-95, south of Maryland Route 22 in Harford County have been closed. The crash involves an overturned tractor trailer resulting in the leakage of a flammable liquid.
Traffic delays are expected in the area of the crash and motorist are encouraged to take alternate routes. Detours as are follows:
SOUTHBOUND I-95- All southbound traffic is currently being detoured onto Maryland Route 22.
NORTHBOUND I-95- All northbound traffic is currently being detoured onto Maryland Route 543.
It is not known at this time how long I-95 may be closed. Updated traffic information will be provided throughout the morning.
Going Green: County Executive Craig Announces Energy Initiatives
October 3, 2008
(Bel Air, MD – October 2, 2008) - - Harford County Executive David R. Craig today announced his proposal for energy initiatives to promote “Green” communities and provide tax credits. The announcement was made at the “Going $Green with Harford County Manufacturing” seminar at Harford Community College. Continue reading Going Green: County Executive Craig Announces Energy Initiatives
Overflow Spews 20,000 Gallons Of Sewage Into Bel Air Creek
October 1, 2008
(Bel Air, MD – September 30, 2008) - - Harford County Public Works experienced a mechanical failure at one of its sewage pumping stations on Friday evening September 26, 2008 that resulted in a sewage overflow of approximately 15 to 20,000 gallons
The overflow took place at a manhole on the site of the Harford Estates Pumping Station at 711 Bernadette Drive in Bel Air, MD. The overflow started at approximately 6:40 p.m. and was controlled through emergency response and mechanical repairs by 7:50 p.m. The cause of the overflow is believed to have been a temporary condition where air became entrapped in the pumps causing the capacity to become greatly diminished.
The overflow occurred over a small grassy area and into a heavily wooded site near the tributary known as Bear Cabin Creek. Site crews cleaned up residual spillage at the site Friday evening plus posted the area with signs for the overflow notice and precautions.
Heavy rains Friday and into Saturday diluted and dispersed the overflow to the point where the environmental impact is considered very minimal.
Local and State Health and Environmental officials were contacted Friday evening. The County continues its investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident.
Convicted Sex Offender Formerly of Edgewood Hit With New Charges, Police Seek Other Victims
September 29, 2008
Irvine Gary Oelke, 74, formerly of Edgewood, Maryland was arraigned on 23 September 2008 in the Circuit Court for Harford County before Judge William O. Carr, on charges stemming from an indictment by the Grand Jury for Harford County on July 29, 2008.
The Indictment charges Oelke with Sexual Child Abuse, Sexual Child Abuse/ Continuing Course of Conduct and Sexual Solicitation of a minor. The victim was eight years old at the time the crimes were committed. The crimes occurred in 2003 and 2004.
Oelke is presently incarcerated in the Maryland Department of Corrections for the 2008 Baltimore County conviction for the Attempted Kidnapping of a minor under the age of 12. In 2004, Oelke was convicted of Sexual Child Abuse in Cecil County and is a registered sex offender.
The police believe that there may be other victims from that time who have not come forward
The case is being investigated by the Harford County Child Advocacy Center and anyone with any information concerning this case is urged to contact the Center at 410.638.3294.
Sheriff’s Office Investigates Suspicious Incident in Fallston
September 27, 2008
Suspicious Incident in Fallston Cleared
(Fallston, MD – September 29, 2008) - Harford County Sheriff’s deputies investigating the suspicious incident which occurred in the 2400 block of Munford Drive, Fallston, MD., have located and identified the subject involved.
On Thursday September 25, 2008 at approximately 5:00 pm, a 10 year old boy and several friends were outside playing in the area of Munford Drive and Winsted Drive. They noticed a suspicious dark blue or black hatchback style station wagon drive slowly past. The car returned and the driver asked the boys if they would help him look for his dog. After a brief conversation regarding what kind of dog the man was looking for, the 10 year old boy and his friends ran from the area.
On Saturday September 27, 2008 the Sheriff’s Office received a telephone call from a neighbor in the area advising he was the driver of the vehicle. Deputies responded to his nearby residence and are confident he had been looking for his dog in the area of Munford Drive. His vehicle, as well as his dog, matched the description provided by the 10 year old boy. The Sheriff’s Office continues to encourage citizens to report suspicious activity and maintain adult supervision of children. Citizens can help one another by forming neighborhood watch groups and building community relationships.
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(Fallston, MD – September 26, 2008) - Harford County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a suspicious incident which occurred in the 2400 block of Munford Drive, Fallston, MD.
On Thursday September 25, 2008 at approximately 5:00 pm a 10 year old boy and several friends were outside playing in the area of Munford Drive and Winsted Drive. They noticed a suspicious dark blue or black hatchback style station wagon drive slowly by them.
The car then returned and the driver asked the boys if they would help him look for his dog. After a brief conversation regarding what kind of dog the man was looking for, the 10 year old boy and his friends ran from the area.
The driver is described as a white male, mid forties, grayish hair, wearing a navy blue or brown hooded sweatshirt. Deputies canvassed the area, however they were unable to locate the vehicle or driver.
The Sheriff’s Office continues to encourage citizens to report suspicious activity and maintain adult supervision of children. Anyone with information regarding the suspiciousperson or the incident described is asked to contact the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Northern Precinct at 410-692-7880.
Delegation Dispute Over Receptionist Could Lead To Power Play For Chairmanship
September 25, 2008
Harford County’s delegates to the Maryland General Assembly in Annapolis are apparently engaged in an increasingly bitter dispute over delegation office management.
Delegation Chair Susan McComas has hired her aide from the 2008 session to be the delegation receptionist for the 2009. As the chair, she has the final word on choosing a receptionist, but others in the delegation wish they were consulted. Now some of the delegates say that no receptionist is needed. They are threatening not to contribute to the receptionist’s salary. Continue reading Delegation Dispute Over Receptionist Could Lead To Power Play For Chairmanship
Sheriff’s Office Receives Grant Targeting School Bus Safety
September 24, 2008
(Bel Air, MD – September 24, 2008) The Harford County Sheriff’s Office has received a grant targeting motorists who fail to stop for school buses that have their red lights flashing.
The grant, SBSE-2009-1106, is provided by the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention. Over 34,000 Harford County students ride a bus to and from school each day. This grant enhances the Sheriff’s Office enforcement efforts of the state law requiring motorists to stoptheir vehicles when they approach a school bus with its red lights flashing.
“Our goal is to keep our children safe,” said Sgt. Joseph VanSeeters, Supervisor of the Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit.
“This grant will provide the funding for a deputy to follow schoolbuses where we have identified a chronic problem of violations.”
Maryland law requires the driver of a vehicle meeting or overtaking a school vehicle to stop at least 20 feet from the rear or front of the school vehicle when its alternating flashing red lights are operating.
The driver of any vehicle meeting or overtaking the school vehicle may not proceed until the school vehicle resumes motion or the alternating flashing red lights are deactivated. A violation of this article may result in a fine of $570.00.
The Sheriff’s Office offers the following tips for motorists driving during school hours:
•Drive slow and watch for children traveling to and from school when driving in neighborhoods with marked school zones;
•Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in theneighborhood; and,
•Learn and understand the flashing light system school bus drivers use to alert motorists for stopping. For additional information, please contact the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Traffic unit at 410-692-7872.
