Police Officer of the Month

March 2005

Police Officer Edward Thatcher has been selected as police officer of the month for March 2005. During the month, Officer Thatcher produced outstanding patrol statistics, which included 21 arrests and an armed robbery apprehension; he also was credited with saving a citizen’s life.

Early in the month, Officer Thatcher responded to an Ellicott City business for a medical emergency after a customer collapsed. Officer Thatcher arrived on the scene before paramedics and performed rescue breathing until they arrived. His life-saving efforts assisted the medics, who were able to quickly stabilize the patient before going to the hospital.

In three separate cases, Officer Thatcher made arrests for disorderly conduct. In one case, he arrested a disorderly man after responding to a reported fight at a bar. In another case, Officer Thatcher arrested an intoxicated female after she became disorderly at a shopping center. Finally, Officer Thatcher arrested a man while he was making an unrelated citizen contact.

Later in the month, Officer Thatcher located a suspect vehicle wanted in connection with multiple robberies. Officer Thatcher pursued the suspects, who refused to stop the vehicle. Several agencies assisted in the pursuit and the eventual capture of the robbery suspects. They were subsequently charged in connection with multiple robberies in Howard County and neighboring jurisdictions.

Throughout the month, Officer Thatcher aggressively patrolled his beat and conducted traffic enforcement. He made 73 traffic stops, issued 48 citations and made five DUI arrests and six driving while suspended arrests. He is commended for his excellent observation skills and awareness in his traffic investigations.

Officer Thatcher is a very motivated and assertive patrol officer. He is commended for his exemplary performance during the month of March. He truly demonstrates a concern for the citizens of Howard County and has positively impacted the quality of life in his beat.