Governor Moore Honors Heroic Law Enforcement Officers Amidst Historic Crime Declines

Annapolis, MD – Governor Wes Moore recently recognized outstanding law enforcement personnel from across Maryland for their exceptional service and dedication during the Maryland Chiefs of Police Association and Maryland Sheriffs’ Association’s annual public safety conference. The event, held in Ocean City, also served as a platform for the governor to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to providing law enforcement with the necessary resources to ensure public safety, as the state continues to experience significant reductions in crime.

The annual conference is a cornerstone event for Maryland’s law enforcement community, drawing over 350 leaders and industry partners for training and discussion. Both the Maryland Chiefs of Police Association and the Maryland Sheriffs’ Association are recognized as leading advocacy groups for local law enforcement agencies statewide and play a crucial role in developing future law enforcement executives.

During the ceremony, the Governor presented the Valor Award to Deputy First Class Mark Shayne and Deputy Earl Buffa of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Department. Their bravery was highlighted for risking their lives to rescue a woman from a vehicle engulfed in flames. The Medal of Honor was awarded to Officer First Class Joseph DeBronzo and Officer First Class Christopher Weir of the Howard County Police Department. They were recognized for their courageous actions in confronting an armed assailant and saving a mother and her child. Additionally, the Exceptional Police Performance award was bestowed upon officers of the Maryland Transportation Authority Police. Their heroic actions in the immediate aftermath of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse were credited with saving numerous lives.

The Moore-Miller Administration has made substantial investments in public safety, allocating nearly $122 million in the FY 2026 state budget to support local police departments. The administration has also invested over $58 million in the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center, an initiative aimed at enhancing collaboration, information sharing, and analytical capabilities to improve public safety across the state. These efforts are credited with contributing to a significant decrease in violent crime, with preliminary data indicating that homicides and non-fatal shootings have reached their lowest point in a decade.

Governor Moore has also focused on bolstering law enforcement support in Baltimore City. In a recent announcement with Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott, the reinstatement of state law enforcement resources to aid Baltimore City’s public safety coordination efforts was highlighted. This renewed collaboration builds on previous successes in reducing violent crime within the city. The administration’s comprehensive approach has resulted in one of the most dramatic crime drops in Baltimore City’s history, with homicides falling to their lowest levels in 50 years, following eight consecutive years with over 300 homicides.

To address the need for a strong public safety workforce, Governor Moore has prioritized the development of career pathways into law enforcement. The Public Safety Apprenticeship Program, established by the Growing Apprenticeships and Public Safety Workforce Act in 2024, aims to expand opportunities by encouraging public safety agencies to create apprenticeship programs. This program, managed by the Maryland Department of Labor’s Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning, offers a two-year start-up grant of up to $200,000 for establishing registered apprenticeships, as well as a $5,000 per apprentice stabilization grant to help cover hiring and training expenses.

In an effort to enhance safety for both law enforcement officers and drivers on Maryland roadways, the governor signed the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act into law during the 2025 legislative session. This legislation significantly increases penalties for reckless driving and is set to take effect on October 1st. The new law aims to deter dangerous driving behaviors, particularly those that endanger law enforcement officers, such as the incident involving Montgomery County Police Sergeant Patrick Kepp, who suffered severe injuries after being struck by a speeding vehicle.

Residents seeking more information about the Moore-Miller Administration’s initiatives to enhance public safety can visit priorities.maryland.gov/pages/public-safety.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Office of Governor Wes Moore

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