Community comes together to honor Cpl. Hilliard on the first anniversary of his death

PITTSVILLE, Md. – In Pittsville, community members came together Monday to hold a vigil in honor of the late Wicomico County Sheriff Corporal Glenn Hilliard.

“Everyone in attendance saw unity exhibited tonight in its highest form,” Sheriff Mike Lewis with the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office said.

Monday community members, family members, and public safety workers came together to honor Corporal Glenn Hilliard’s sacrifice on the 1 year anniversary of his death.

“Glenn was a ball of energy of joy, and happiness he took his job seriously. He loved serving, he loved helping, he loved being a member of the community that gave back, that’s what he loved to do,” Tashica Hilliard, Corporal Hilliard’s widow said.

Sharon Jones of Pittsville was just down the street from the tragic event on June 22, 2022. Recalling the traumatic event, she says it was important that she come out and show her support.

“Glenn’s life was cherished and he did not die in vain, he will never be forgotten and we’re always going to be here to support his family,” community member, Sharon Jones said.

Kevin Smith agreeing that it’s important he made sure to come out and show his support. “It means a whole lot that we honor a guy that loved his community and he loved his job and to support his wife Tashica and the family in this time of tragedy,” community member, Kevin Smith said.

Sheriff Mike Lewis says it’s been 54 years since a sheriff deputy has been killed in the line of duty which is why it was so important for the community to come together to show unity.

“In 1968 the sheriff was shot and killed in this county along with a deputy, so when Glenn lost his life 1 year ago today, it rocked this community, it jarred this community. We had all our partners come together, all those who came to our assistance on June 12, 2022, they were here tonight collaborating with everyone in this community over a fallen deputy it has brought everyone together,” Sheriff Lewis said.

To see the community support the Hilliard family for a year, Tashica Hillard says it means a lot knowing the community appreciated her husband’s sacrifice.

“I’m overwhelmed with the support, the support has not stopped since day one, I’m surprised that this many people came out. This is the community that we live in, this is who we live with, and it’s just awesome knowing that Glenn made this sacrifice and that the community is giving back, and appreciates the sacrifice that he made,” Tashica Hilliard said.

Operation We Care hosted the event at the Pittsville Volunteer Fire Company and says this was a great way for the community to come together and Honor Corporal Hilliard.

“He wouldn’t want to have it any other way, he died doing what he loved, I will say it forever: he died doing what he loved, he enjoyed his life, he enjoyed his job,” Tashica Hilliard emphasized.