Open Records, Gang Vigilance and Outstanding Personnel Service in this Week’s Best of Police and Fire Reporting

“Sunshine” spills light on police records and transportation developments; public servants resign while the best of the best are recognized for their contributions. Patch has got you covered on the fire and police beat.


Few citizens are aware that their entitlement to inspect records, including electronic ones, is written into Maryland law. Apparently, neither are some police. Find out what happens when your intrepid Patch reporters audit the compliance of Baltimore County Police as part of “Sunshine Week’s” support of public access to open records. Arbutus Patch has the story.  

The Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department has been under the leadership of career firefighters since late last month, after the department’s breaches of agreed protocol and behavioral infractions prompted the resignation of its leading volunteers. Get the details on Colesville Patch.

According to Prince George's County Fire/EMS, an unidentified infant sustained life-threatening traumatic injuries and was declared dead while being transported to a local hospital after a vehicle rolled backward, colliding with the mother and her two children. Read the breaking news on Laurel Patch. 

Another layer of the Baltimore County Police department was peeled back at Tuesday's Baltimore County Citizens Police Academy, a 16-week program designed to give residents a first-hand look at what police work is all about.

In this session, local editor Diana Soliwon got the insider info from local law enforcement who deal with the growing number of gangs around Maryland. Find out what she learned to keep you safe from gang activity on Owings Mills Patch.

Three Howard County employees received awards, alongside their counterparts from Baltimore County as locals looked on, at the St. Agnes Council of the Knights of Columbus in Catonsville Monday night.

In addition to the awards given to Howard County personnel, several Baltimore County police officers and firefighters were commended by the Knights of Columbus, as well as student artists, teachers and citizens active in their communities and churches.

To see who was recognized, or to learn about similar ceremonies in Westminster, go to  and be sure to visit .