A day 30 years in the making for the Cambridge-Dorchester FOP
Cambridge, Md. — After three decades of waiting, the Cambridge-Dorchester Fraternal Order of Police broke ground on a new clubhouse Tuesday, as they hope to build a space for local law enforcement to come together.
Thomas Hurley has been president of the Cambridge-Dorchester FOP Lodge #27 for 32 years, and he’s been working on this project for 30 of them. Now, the ground has been broken.
“I was starting to wonder if I ever was going to do it, you know? But the longest journey begins with one step, and I’m almost, I believe, to the end of that journey of trying to complete this project,” Hurley said.
Hurley’s dream is to build a place for local officers to call home – have meetings – share history – and honor fallen officers.
“A lot of good, positive things can come from this building being here and is for the officers and their families. So, it’s very important to have it,” Hughes said.
He added that the FOP bought the land the structure will eventually be built on in 2017 and he realized the project he could get funding from grant money.
“I got my first grant money in 2021, and then I got several more grants after that. Still not enough to complete the project, but it’s getting us there,” Hurley said.
The state of Maryland has given two grants for the project, $250,000 in 2021 and $100,000 in 2025. The FOP has been able to gather $175,000 on their own, but are still $100,000 short, according to Hurley.
Hurley explained that despite the building fund being short, the organization had to begin construction, or they would lose grant money.
Several state delegates made an appearance at the groundbreaking ceremony to show their support. One of those delegates was Sheree Sample-Hughes (D-37A), who said the project was special for her because her son is a sheriff’s deputy. She also described the importance of the project.
“I must say that the fight that we have in Annapolis to ensure that funding comes back to the Eastern Shore truly is a fight. But I can tell you this. It was one that was worth fighting for,” Sample-Hughes said.
And even though the project is still short on funds, Hurley remains undeterred.
“I’m still not going to give up. I’m going to get her done – I’m going to get her done,” Hurley said.
And despite more steps still to go, it’s a dream come true for Hurley.
“The longest journey begins with the first step. I took it and I’ve been stepping for 30 years. And now I’m not sure- nobody pinch me, I’m not sure if I’m dreaming,” Hurley said.
