Maryland Natural Resources Police Graduates 16 New Officers

State of MD - The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) recognized the graduation of eight officers from the agency's 67th Basic Recruit Class and formally welcomed eight officers from the 66th Lateral Class who transferred from other law enforcement agencies.

The graduation ceremony was held on Tuesday, March 24, at Immanuel Baptist Church in Baltimore. Maryland Natural Resources Police Superintendent Colonel Orlando D. Lilly addressed the graduating officers.

"These officers have dedicated themselves to preparing to serve Maryland's communities and natural resources," Col. Lilly said. "As representatives of our agency, NRP officers serve the public while helping conserve the lands, waters, fish, and wildlife of the state. We appreciate their commitment as they begin their service to Maryland."

Following remarks from invited guests and keynote speaker Dr. RaShall Brackney, the officers took the oath of office and received their badges from Col. Lilly.

Members of the 67th Basic Recruit Class completed 39 weeks of training and coursework at the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions facility in Sykesville. Their training included Maryland conservation law, criminal procedure, vehicle and traffic law, physical conditioning, firearms instruction, wildlife identification, emergency vehicle operations, search and rescue, land navigation, and boating navigation.

The newly graduated officers will be assigned to patrol districts throughout Maryland and will complete field training under the supervision of experienced officers. NRP officers have statewide law enforcement authority and full jurisdiction in Maryland, including enforcement of criminal, motor vehicle, and natural resources laws.

Basic Recruit Class 67

• Officer Ty A. Bean - Fort Washington, Prince George's County

• Officer Maranda E. Graybill - Union Bridge, Carroll County

• Officer Samantha M. Harris - Pasadena, Anne Arundel County

• Officer Parker W. Martin - Centreville, Queen Anne's County

• Officer Elizabeth M. Rogers - Essex, Baltimore County

• Officer Justin M. Sherman - Reisterstown, Baltimore County

• Officer Alexis M. Twigg - Clearville, Bedford County, Pennsylvania

• Officer Sidney D. Vann - Joppa, Harford County

The 66th Lateral Class includes officers who previously served with other law enforcement agencies and have joined the Maryland Natural Resources Police.

Lateral Class 66

• Officer Andrew H. Anderson - Swanton, Garrett County

• Officer Benjamin L. Click - Cumberland, Allegany County

• Officer Mariah B. Dolan - Oldtown, Allegany County

• Officer Alison P. Ferris - Glen Burnie, Anne Arundel County

• Officer James A. Koscielski III - Dundalk, Baltimore County

• Officer Chad S. Schroyer - Chester, Queen Anne's County

• Officer Bryant D. Simmons - Fishing Creek, Dorchester County

• Officer Ryan R. Walker - Ocean City, Worcester County

Tracing its origins to 1868, the Maryland Natural Resources Police is the oldest statewide law enforcement agency in Maryland and one of the oldest state conservation law enforcement agencies in the United States.

Photo Credit: Maryland Natural Resources Police