On Saturday, October 13, the North East Barrack hosted their 1st annual clean up
day and family fun day at the barrack. The main intent of the day was to give the
barrack a little “TLC”, however it turned out to be much more than just another clean
up day. The day started with about 30 active and retired troopers coming together to
do landscaping, mulching, tree trimming and many indoor projects to include painting
the main conference room in traditional black and green to symbolize those who have
given the ultimate sacrifice. Photographs of our fallen heroes will be displayed along
with a Maryland State Police slogan reflective of the hard working men and women who
have served this county at this installation. It was a great opportunity for troopers
(active and retired) and our dedicated civilian staff and their families to get together
to know one another. The day ended with more than 100 attendees sharing in the
festivities.
Among the many special guests were Mr. Bernard Foster, retired major and current chief
of staff for the Department, Major Linda Stascavage, the Northern Region Commander and Captain Frank Lioi, the Northern Troop Commander. Without their continued support the barrack could not be as successful as they are and enjoy the many benefits afforded to this installation.
Also among the special guests were many retirees who worked at the North East Barrack
including retired Lieutenant Colonel Frank Mazzone, who retired as Department’s Deputy
Superintendent and who currently resides in New Jersey, Mr. Bill Miller, who made the trip from his current home in Sarasota, Florida and Mr. Rich Achuff, who still serves the county and who is currently working with the Cecil County State’s Attorney Office. Other retirees present were: Gary Pierce, Michael Gawrych, Joseph Zurolo, Larry Bray, and Donald Hash. These retired troopers are the ones who paved the way for us so that we can enjoy the benefits and the reputation we have today. This has always been and will always be “the retirees barrack” and we encourage them to stop in anytime!
The day would not have been made possible but for the volunteer services of the active
troopers, retirees and civilian staff who are dedicated professionals which we are fortunate to witness each and every day. Additionally, we were able to have numerous displays and demonstrations from our specialized units to include Aviation, Sgt. Scala who gave a great K-9 demonstration and Cpl. Bloniquist, and his motorcycle unit, who displayed his exceptional riding skills.
We would also like to extend our special thanks to MTA Lodge 15 and its’ president
Tfc. Vogt for their generous donation. PCO Walmsley who used her exceptional catering
skills to provide lunch for the 100 or so attendees. Sgt. Comer and Sgt. Jones who provided their non-law enforcement skills in painting and landscaping to enhance the inside and outside appearance at the barrack. Special thanks also to Tfc. Lazard for providing his DJ services to those at the event and retired Tfc. Jerry Scarborough for allowing us to proudly his display his 1971 Vintage Maryland State Police vehicle.
The North East Barrack would also like to thank the following businesses for donating
their time and/or services on this special day: Food by Friends (Thomas Walmsley, Marissa Santoleri, Bonny Dagg and Mary Walmsley), Steve and Susan Srnigel who provided a moon bounce which the kids especially enjoyed, JBL Music (Ernst Lazard), ACM Exterior Cleaning (Will Mueller) and to Altra. Landscaping (Jeff Ritter) who provided the much needed mulch and plants for around the barrack. Thanks to all of you for your generosity. It was greatly appreciated.
We could thank people all day long for making this event possible, but we wanted to
especially thank the dedicated troopers and civilian staff here at the North East Barrack who make this barrack what it is today and especially to their families. Having been in law enforcement for 20 years and being from law enforcement families ourselves, my father was a Pennsylvania State Trooper for 30 years and First Sergeant Russell’s father was a very respected North East Barrack Trooper, we take special pride in being given the privilege to command this barrack and the troopers assigned here. We understand the sacrifices mad by them to support our troopers. There are not many careers and schedules more demanding than that of a police officer. So we thank you for the
support and the understanding you provide to your loved ones so that they can do their jobs to the best of their ability and ensure that Cecil County continues to be a safe place to live and work. We understand these sacrifices and because we understand these sacrifices, we will do everything we can to continue to make this barrack, the finest in the state.
Again, thanks to everyone for making this 1st annual event a special and memorable day!