‘He will always live on:’ New highway signage aims to keep Cpl. Glenn Hilliard’s memory alive

BERLIN, Md.- “When people see that sign, they’ll be like you know what that’s right. They’re not forgetting who Glenn Hilliard was. They can smile and have a better day,” Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis said.

If you’re traveling down Stephen Decatur Highway, you’ll notice a new sign. A sign to remember and honor the life of Corporal Glenn Hilliard who was tragically killed in the line of duty.

It stands just miles away from the Hilliard family’s home. It’s why Corporal Hilliard’s widow, Tashica Hilliard, calls the gesture truly heartfelt. “For my children to see their father’s name on a sign, a symbol of his sacrifice daily, we can remember that he will always live on,” Tashica said.

The signage was unveiled Monday at a highway dedication ceremony. The dedicated portion of the highway stretches four miles from the Route 611-Route 50 intersection to the Route 611-Route 376 intersection.

Maryland Delegate Wayne Hartman worked closely alongside the state highway administration on this initiative. He says it not only shows an unwavering commitment to support the family but also first responders. “We appreciate the work they do and the sacrifices they make every day and I think these signs help show this community supports those first responders,” Delegate Hartman said.

While in design, Sheriff Mike Lewis says he felt it was important to have the sheriff’s office placed on those signs to let not just residents, but visitors know he was a dedicated servant. “They can quickly see who this man was. He wasn’t just a man, but a father. Son, Brother.  He was also a very proud husband who served his community well,” Sheriff Lewis said.

Monday also marked the one-year anniversary of Corporal Hilliard’s death.  For Tashica, she says it still feels like day one, but her loving family and the community help her move forward. “When this tragedy took place, the community grieved with me. I did not grieve alone. I’m so honored to know that we have such an awesome community.”

Tashica and Sheriff Mike Lewis say they’re not sure if the community can ever fully heal from this tragedy, but the dedication is just another step in that healing process.