Fruitland Police Department honoring fallen officers in DC
FRUITLAND, Md – It’s National Police Week, and thousands of law enforcement members from around the world are converging on the nation’s capital. The events of National Police Week have been well-established for decades, but for the first time ever, officers from the Fruitland Police Department will be making the trip to DC in support of their brothers in blue.
“The focus during this week is showing honor and tribute and respect for fallen officers and their families.” Lt. Blaine Guard, Commander of the Fruitland PD Motor Unit, will be supporting families of fallen officers by providing them an escort through DC to tonight’s candlelight vigil. It’s a cause that’s close to home for Guard and the entire agency: “We’re no stranger here in Wicomico County, we’ve lost two officers in three years. So for us, it has a special meaning. You know, we’re going to go up and help represent the Heacook and Hilliard families.”
While it will be the first time attending the vigil for Lt. Guard and the other officers in the motor unit, it’s an event that Chief Krah Plunkert witnessed in his time with the Maryland State Police, and he recalls it being extremely powerful: “It’s a moving event. It truly–when the candlelight vigil, which will occur tonight, when they read the 282 names–brings chills”
The names of 282 officers who lost their lives in 2023, added to the 24,000 names already on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
“It says a lot about Wicomico County. It says a lot about the Fruitland Police Department, just a smaller rural area, being able to go up and represent and to show our support,” said Lt. Guard.
FPD’s motor unit will be in DC until Wednesday, providing support and escort services for the families and friends of those who lost their loved ones. The vigil is far from the only event, but it is the emotional climax of National Police Week. “There’ll be a lot of tears tonight, to say the least. We’re honoring them, who who gave that sacrifice,” said Chief Plunkert.
