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Governor O’Malley Congratulates 11 New Maryland Natural Resources Police Graduates
Superintendent Johnson, Deputy Superintendent Hawkins and the 51st NRP Academy Class.Easton, MD – The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP), the law enforcement arm of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), this morning recognized the 51st graduating class of the Maryland Natural Resources Police Academy. This graduation ceremony marks the second class of new NRP officers hired since 2002. The last class to graduate from the academy was in January 2007.
“The Maryland Natural Resources Police are the protectors of our most important land and aquatic resources,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Whether on the Bay ensuring that anglers return home safely, or in our forests protecting our native wildlife, these men and women of law enforcement perform an irreplaceable service.”
DNR Deputy Secretary Eric Schwaab attended the ceremony along NRP Superintendent Col. George F. Johnson, IV, NRP Deputy Superintendent LTC. Alphonso W. Hawkins, Maryland Park Service Superintendent Nita Settina, and other NRP and DNR officials. NRP Capt. Robert Davis was the emcee for the morning and Rev. Dartanyon Hines gave the invocation and benediction.
“Although you are few in numbers, you are the chosen few out of many applicants.” Superintendent Johnson said. “We welcome you as a member of the Natural Resources Police family and we look forward to your contributions as you protect Maryland’s citizens and preserve its natural resources.”
Captain Brian D. Kelley, United States Coast Guard (USCG) Sector Commander in Baltimore, gave the keynote address. Captain Kelley is responsible for all USCG missions in the northern Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries and the National Capitol Region. His duties include leading as the Captain of the Port, Federal Maritime Security Coordinator and Officer in Charge of Marine Inspections.
Below is a list of the graduates and their hometowns.
- Walter S. Batchelor III, Rock Hall
- Phillip G. Bell, Cumberland
- James W. Beveridge III, Dover, Pa.
- Vincent L. Biondo, Nottingham
- Ronald S. Collier, Severn
- Douglas A. Felker, Frostburg
- Mark V. Greeff, Edgewater
- Gregory J. Harris, Easton
- Christopher M. Morris, Cumberland
- Frederick L. Timms, Finksburg
- Robert Ward, Abingdon
January 16, 2009 Contact: Sgt. Ken Turner
410-260-8003 office
kturner@dnr.state.md.usThe Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) is the enforcement arm of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). With an authorized strength of 280 officers and a dedicated staff of civilian and volunteer personnel, the NRP provide a variety of services in addition to conservation and boating law enforcement duties throughout the State of Maryland. These services include homeland security, search and rescue, emergency medical services, education, information and communications services on a round the clock basis. NRP is the only police force aside from the Maryland State Police that has statewide jurisdiction.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov
