The Brightside: How an organization has helped 2 women heal, and help others
MARYLAND. – When an officer dies in the line of duty, there’s a ripple effect that’s not just felt within their immediate family, but the entire community.
All too often, someone on the shore will have their own story of a loved one killed on the job. Jeannie Mastronardi, a retired Maryland State Police Corporal, shared hers.
“In 1992 I was working for the Maryland State Police as a Corporal in Easton and my coworker and very good friend, Mark Groner, was killed a mile from my home and it was devastating,” said Jeannie.
Still reeling from her friend’s death, Jeannie knew she needed to find a support system that understood the weight of the tragic loss, so she joined the Maryland chapter of Concerns Of Police Survivors.
For over 30 years, Jeannie has been giving back within her capacity as Vice President of Maryland COPS. Through the program, she met Lynne Parry, another survivor of a law enforcement agent killed in the line of duty.
“My husband was a Baltimore County Detective Seargeant that was hit by a drunk driver in December 2001. After 25 excruciating days, he did succumb to his injuries,” said Lynne.
Lynne is the President of the Maryland chapter and together, she and Jeannie travel the state, raising awareness on the organization and calling attention to the dangerous situations law enforcement face each day.
Though the pair connected through grief, Jeannie said it doesn’t define them. They’ve cultivated a bond over the years that helps them carry out their mission and has touched the lives of other victims across the state.
“It’s what makes you feel alive; COPS is a family, and you need that family,” said Jeannie.
And she said she never plans to leave that family.
“Whether I’m hugging someone or I’m providing resources for them, I’m going to be there. It’s a duty; it’s like, I can’t leave this organization,” she added.
The organization is hosting a skeet shooting fundraiser for the Delmarva Chapter. To register, click here.
