Patrolman Randolph Eugene Brightwell

Patrolman Brightwell, "Randy," was shot and killed on May 29, 1961. He was gunned down on Fels Lane in Ellicott City during a car stop following an armed robbery. Both suspects were apprehended a short time afterwards. Patrolman Brightwell was thirty-three years-old and the father of two small children

Randy was the first K-9 handler for any county police agency in the State of Maryland, and the only Howard County police officer killed in the line of duty.

Patrolman Brightwell is pictured here with "Prince" his K-9 partner. Prince was working with Patrolman Brightwell when he was killed, but was secured in the police vehicle.

In tribute to the ultimate sacrifice made by Patrolman Brightwell, the police department named its highest commendation, the Medal of Honor, after the slain officer.

Patrolman Brightwell is memoralized in the American Police Hall of Fame and in the Howard County Police Memorial. His badge is displayed on a plaque in the lobby of police headquarters

HIS SERVICE HONORED THE DEPARTMENT

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