Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mission of the Maryland Fallen Police Officers Memorial, Incorporated?
To raise funds to build a statewide memorial to honor the fallen law enforcement officers of Maryland.  Once the memorial is complete, to continue perpetual care
of the grounds, plants, trees, and repair/replacement and engraving of the granite.  Maryland Fallen Police Officers Memorial, Incorporated is dedicated
to honoring Maryland's fallen law enforcement heroes. More than 275 officers have made the ultimate sacrifice in Maryland and it is with great honor that
we pay a lasting tribute to each of these officers by preserving their memories within its pages.

How long has The Maryland Fallen Police Officers Memorial, Incorporated been in existence?
The organization was founded in March of 2000.  The incorporation became effective in 2003.

Do the police agencies give?
Generally, their budget is to maintain their department.  Money from bargaining units, i.e., FOP Lodges, IUPA, and the Teamsters, are the ones who
generally donate.

How is money raised and is it tax deductible?
Assets grow through increased membership, donations and special events. The Maryland Fallen Police Officers Memorial, Incorporated is a registered
501 (c)(3) non-profit group, Tax Identification Number 20-0735690.  All contributions are tax deductible.

How can I help?
Join The Maryland Fallen Police Officers Memorial, Incorporated and give back to those who laid down their lives protecting us. Send a donation
to us through the mail to:
Arundel Federal Savings Bank
C/O Maryland Fallen Police Officers Memorial, Incorporated
2046 Davidsonville Road
Crofton  MD  21114
ATTN: Lisa Hart, Manager
Make Checks Payable to: MDFPOMI 

or to the address listed above, to purchase items.

CRITERIA FOR INCLUSION

All submissions will be reviewed by a member of the Maryland Fallen Police Officers Memorial, Incorporated Board of Directors. Submissions that cannot be verified by a single board member will be reviewed by a majority of the full board. All decisions made by the board are final unless the board finds sufficient reason to re-review individual submissions at a later date. If at any time an officer listed on the Maryland Fallen Police Officers Memorial, Incorporated is found to not meet the criteria, the officer will be removed from the Maryland Fallen Police Officers Memorial, Incorporated.

QUALIFYING CAUSES OF DEATH

Felonious Causes - Any law enforcement officer who is killed in a felonious way as a result of a line of duty incident.

Accidental Causes - Any law enforcement officer who dies in an accidental way as a result of a line of duty incident.

The category "Accidental" is defined as an incident in which an officer is the victim of an accidental/unintentional discharge of a firearm by the victim officer or another officer; is the victim a case of mistaken identity by another officer; or, is fatally wounded as the result of friendly-fire during a shooting involving one or more suspects and one or more other officers. "Gunfire" is defined as any incident in which an officer is the victim of a shooting by a criminal in the commission of a crime; or, is the victim of a discharge of a weapon by a civilian.

Natural Causes - Any law enforcement officer who dies of natural causes (heart attack, brain aneurysm, etc.) due to physical exertion during a stressful event while on duty.

Example scenarios:

• Struggle with a suspect
• Foot chase or other pursuit of a suspect
• Required departmental training

The law enforcement officer will only be eligible if hospitalization or death occurs within 48 hours of the incident and must be attributed to the incident by a certified medical professional. Written proof may be required via fax or U.S. mail. Natural causes deaths that occur while on-duty but not during or following a physical exertion during a stressful event will not be eligible.

Health Related Causes - Any law enforcement officer who dies as a result of any health related cause (illness, disease, infection, etc.) that is a direct result of the officer's law enforcement duties.

Example scenarios:

• Contraction of an infectious disease or illness such as Hepatitis or AIDS
• Contraction of an infection or illness as a result of a duty related illness
• Health related issues due to a HAZMAT incident

Evidence of a direct relation between a duty related incident and the contraction of a disease or illness much be presented in the form of official documentation.

Previous Injuries - Any law enforcement officer who dies as a result of any criminal act or accidental cause sustained at any time while on duty before the actual date of death. Written proof, such as a coroner's report or department records, may be required via fax or U.S. mail.

Off Duty Deaths - Any law enforcement officer who dies or is killed off duty while acting in an official capacity to prevent loss of property, injury, or death, or is targeted because of his/her duties as a law enforcement officer.

DISQUALIFYING CIRCUMSTANCES

Any law enforcement officer whose death meets one of the following conditions shall be ineligible to be included on the Maryland Fallen Police Officers Memorial, Incorporated:

• Deaths attributed to voluntary alcohol or controlled substance abuse
• Deaths caused by the intentional misconduct of the officer
• Deaths caused by the officer's intention to bring about his/her own death
• Deaths attributed to an officer performing his/her duty in a grossly negligent manner at time of death
• Off-duty automobile accidents where the officer is not involved in any type of duty related activity
• Off-duty law enforcement officers serving as overseas peace keepers, government contractors, or active-duty military
• Private law enforcement, security, or corrections officers working for for-profit law enforcement companies (even if holding a state law enforcement commission)

DEFINITIONS

Line of Duty Death - Any law enforcement officer who has died as a direct and proximate result of a personal injury sustained in the line of duty. This includes law enforcement officers who, while in an off-duty capacity, act in direct response to an emergency situation involving the general public or a violation of the law.

Law Enforcement Officer - A law enforcement officer is any marshal, police officer, deputy sheriff, agent, or employee of any other title employed by a municipal, city, county, state, or federal agency and has powers of arrest. Any employee of a public authority, railroad, private institution of higher education, or otherwise holds a police commission from a state are considered law enforcement officers. Volunteer/Auxiliary officers/deputies who are granted powers of arrest while on duty are also considered law enforcement officers.