Washington County Remembers Former Sheriff Charles F. Mades

Flags at all county facilities in Washington County will be flown at half-staff to honor the memory and service of former Sheriff Charles F. Mades, who passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2026. The Washington County Board of County Commissioners announced this measure as a tribute to Mades’ extensive career dedicated to law enforcement and public service within the county and beyond.

Sheriff Mades dedicated over forty years of his life to serving the public. His career in law enforcement began with a 25-year tenure at the Maryland State Police, where he retired with the rank of sergeant. Following his distinguished service with the state police, Mades transitioned to serve as the Washington County Sheriff, a role he held for two decades, from 1986 to 2006. Throughout his career, he was known for his unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of the residents of Washington County and the surrounding communities.

The Board of County Commissioners expressed its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of former Sheriff Mades, as well as to the wider law enforcement community. His passing is recognized as a significant loss for Washington County, impacting the many individuals, residents, and law enforcement professionals he served. The commissioners extended their heartfelt sympathies during this time of mourning. The flags will be lowered from sunrise on Friday, October 2, 2026, until sunset on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, in recognition of his profound contributions.

Beyond his professional duties, Mades was deeply invested in the well-being of the community’s youth. He actively participated in local sports, serving as a junior varsity basketball coach at St. Maria Goretti High School and coaching his sons in Halfway Little League. His involvement extended to refereeing high school basketball games for both boys and girls, demonstrating a continued passion for supporting young athletes. Mades also contributed his time and expertise to various charitable organizations, including service on the advisory boards of the Salvation Army and the Washington County Sports Hall of Fame. He was also a member of the boards for the Child Advocacy Center and Friends of Safe Place, where he also held the role of treasurer. His past board memberships include the Maryland State Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch and Shining Tree Children’s Home in Hagerstown.

His affiliations were extensive and reflected a broad engagement with community life. Mades was a member of Hagerstown Elks Lodge No. 378, Funkstown Legion, Redmen, Moose International, and the Williamsport Country Club. He was also an active participant in fraternal organizations, holding membership in Masonic Lodge No. 217, and served as Grand Tall Cedar of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon. Additionally, he was involved with the Hagerstown Shrine Club, serving as its President, and was part of the Royal Order of Jesters, Scottish Rite, Sahara Unit, and was recognized as a Kentucky Colonel. He was also affiliated with the Ali-Ghan Shrine in Cumberland, Maryland.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, between the hours of 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Minnich Funeral Home, located at 415 E. Wilson Blvd. in Hagerstown, MD. A Masonic service will be conducted by Hagerstown Masonic Lodge 217 at 6 p.m. during the visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on October 7, 2026, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, situated at 17630 Virginia Ave., Hagerstown, MD. Reverend David Ray will officiate the service. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Shriner’s Children’s Philadelphia, Office of Philanthropy, 3551 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19140, or to Doey’s House, 11370 Caring Pathway Lane, Hagerstown, MD 21740.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Washington County Government, Minnich Funeral Home, and Hagerstown Masonic Lodge 217

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