News Releases

Department Honors Fallen Heroes: Twenty-Four-Hour Vigil Began Today; Memorial Service Tomorrow at Public Safety Memorial

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 7, 2019

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. During Police Week, law enforcement officers and survivors from around the world come to Washington, DC, to participate in events that honor fallen officers.

Over the years, additional events of remembrance have been established in the month of May to honor public safety personnel that have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Throughout this month, the Montgomery County Police Department will remember and honor our fallen officers in various ways, beginning with a vigil and memorial service at the Public Safety Headquarters.

Beginning at 10:00 this morning (Tuesday, May 7), Montgomery County public safety employees both current and past, are participating in a twenty-four-hour vigil at the Montgomery County Public Safety Memorial on the grounds of the Public Safety Headquarters in Gaithersburg (100 Edison Park Drive).  During the twenty-four-hour time period, personnel will take turns standing watch at the Memorial as a way to honor the fallen.  This vigil will lead up to the Montgomery County Fallen Heroes Memorial Service held on Wednesday, May 8.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, May 8, the Montgomery County Police Department, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and the Maryland-National Capital Park Police – Montgomery County Division will honor our fallen heroes at the annual Fallen Heroes Memorial Service.  Members of the public are welcome to attend.

What: Fallen Heroes Memorial Service

When: Wednesday, May 8, 10:30 a.m.

Where: Public Safety Memorial, located on the grounds of the Public Safety Headquarters, 100 Edison Park Drive, Gaithersburg, 20878*

*Please note that in the case of inclement weather, the service will be held inside the Public Safety Headquarters.

In Memory of:

Montgomery County Police Department

Police Officer III Noah A.  Leotta – December 10, 2015

Police Officer III William D. Talbert – January 27, 2012

Sergeant Hector I. Ayala – April 4, 2010

Police Officer III Luke T. Hoffman – April 25, 2007

Captain Joseph A. Mattingly, Jr. – September 13, 2003

Police Officer III James E. Walch – January 25, 1994

Police Officer III Mark M. Filer – August 24, 1993

Police Officer III Philip C. Metz – March 27, 1981

Corporal John M. Frontczak – March 29, 1976

Captain James E. Daly, Jr. – March 28, 1976

Private William P. Conboy, Jr. – December 29, 1973

Lieutenant Donald A. Robertson – March 9, 1972

Lieutenant William H. Jessie – December 30, 1964

Private Robert W. McAllister – November 23, 1952

Private David G. Bisset – October 1, 1952

Patrolman James E. Shoemaker – February 4, 1938

Patrolman Webb S. Hersperger – June 18, 1933

Patrolman Joseph A. Case – December 17, 1928

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office

Captain James T. Hall – October 26, 1971

Maryland-National Capital Park Police – Montgomery County Division

Officer Kristin M. Pataki – May 4, 2002

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Release ID: 19-169
Media Contact: Rick Goodale 
Categories: media-advisory