Baltimore County Honors 9 Fallen Officers Killed In The Line Of Duty

TOWSON, Md. (WJZ)—Chiefs of police will tell you they never know when they'll get the call that one of their officers has been killed in the line of duty.

Mike Schuh reports, after Baltimore police lost an officer late last year, his sacrifice was honored Friday in Towson.

Nine wreaths for nine officers: Edward Kuznar, Charles Huckeba, Samuel Snyder, Robert Zimmerman, Bruce Prothero, John Stem, Mark Parry, Michael Howe--and from this past year, Officer Jason Schneider.

"He was 36 years old, in his prime. And one of the best officers, one of the best officers I've ever served with in nearly my four decades in public safety service," said Chief James W. Johnson.

Schneider 's wife, Erica, presented the wreath on display in front of the police officers memorial at the county courthouse--all of this, a symbol of sacrifice.

"And I think it's very helpful for us as a county to do this on an annual basis so that we can always remember that," said Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz.

There's a chance any day, every day that an officer's shift will be cut short. So, it's moments like these that shows to those still answering calls that people care.

"Officers are murdered, murdered protecting our society," Chief Johnson said.

The Baltimore County Police Department memorial consists of a carved replica of the department badge, flanked by two memorial tablets engraved with the names of those who have died in the line-of-duty since the department was established in 1874.

It bears this inscription: "In lasting memory of those officers and families who made the ultimate sacrifice. Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9"

In Towson, so far this year, across the country, 38 police officers have been killed in the line of duty.

For more information on the fallen officers honored on Friday, click here.

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