Deputies in the Community
Meet Bolt!
March 11, 2021
Meet Bolt! From being tied up to a tree during a hurricane to becoming a Police K-9, Bolt’s story is remarkable!
In August 2020, with Hurricane Laura bearing down on the coast of Louisiana, someone decided to tie Bolt to a tree and leave him to survive on his own. A neighbor saw him, saved him, and took him to a shelter. Eventually, TRU Rescue, based in Phoenix, Maryland, saved Bolt and brought him to Maryland and into the foster home of Amanda, the daughter of a Harford County Sheriff’s Office deputy.
That September, the Sheriff’s Office began searching for a new K-9 for our Crime Suppression Unit. Bolt’s foster mom thought he could make it as a police K-9, and after initial tests, HCSO trainers agreed it may be possible.
By October, the Agency adopted Bolt, and in November he started training with Senior Deputy Andrew Sampson.
Bolt excelled in his training and by February was certified as a Narcotics Detection Dog and hit the streets. Within just two days he had his first successful drug find on a traffic stop!
Bolt is the first dog rescued by the Sheriff’s Office in nearly 30 years! It was a highly unusual set of circumstances that led to Bolt becoming a Police K9, but we sure are glad he is here!
We’re so excited to have Bolt join our team and very grateful to Christine Williams of TRU Rescue and Amanda, Bolt’s foster mom, for making this possible!
House Bill 670
March 10, 2021
Sheriff Gahler and members of the Command staff were proud to stand with those elected delegates and senators working to bring some common sense to the anti-police legislation in Annapolis this year. Also having their voices heard and joining the press conference today were numerous other sheriffs and police chiefs from across the state and more than two dozen agency members, members of our Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, and community members, all standing opposed to House Bill 670. During this press conference in Annapolis, it was made clear that this dangerous piece of legislation will make our communities less safe, negatively impact professional police organizations in Maryland and limit police officers’ abilities to enforce the law. The Maryland House of Delegates will be debating this measure tonight at 5:30 p.m. in Annapolis.
Meet Grady!
February 27, 2021
Grady is a 1-year-old Bluegrass Bloodhound who just completed his training earlier this month to be certified as a Mantrailing dog. What is that, you might ask? According to the American Mantraining, Police & Work Dog Association, “Mantrailing is the scent specific pursuit of one individual’s scent, following skin rafts (shed skin cells) wherever they have been dispersed. The K9’s nose will be down at times and up at other times, acquiring the scent in the best manner possible. Mantrailing is really a combination of tracking and trailing, the K9s uses all the tools at its disposal.”
Purchased with funds from the Jimmy Ryce Foundation (www.jimmyryce.org), Grady will primarily be used for trying to find missing people in a search and rescue function.
Please join us in welcoming him to the Sheriff’s Office family!
Senior Deputy Ryan Shaull
February 26, 2021
Saving lives, even when off duty!
Today, Sheriff Gahler received a letter from the leadership at Citizens Volunteer Fire Company in Fawn Grove, Pennsylvania applauding the efforts of one of our Correctional Deputies for his heroic actions to save a life!
On Sunday, while on his way to work, Senior Deputy Ryan Shaull passed by a working house fire. He stopped to see if he could help, and was one of the first people on scene. Teaming up with a firefighter from Citizens Volunteer Fire Company, Deputy Shaull, without regard for his own life or safety, entered the burning home, and rescued the resident. According to the letter, “Because of Shaull’s actions that individual escaped with minor injuries.”
Thank you Deputy Shaull for looking out for your community!
Sergeant Brandon Underhill
February 24, 2021
This morning we recognized Sergeant Brandon Underhill.
Sgt. Underhill was honored as a runner up for the American Legion Northern Central District’s Law Officer of the Year!
Thank you to the Legion’s Patrick-Dailey-Mark Logsdon Memorial Service Post 17 for nominating Sgt. Underhill, and for their continued support of the Sheriff’s Office.
Congratulations Sergeant! Well deserved!
Welcome back, Senior Deputy Gerres!
February 24, 2021
Last week, Senior Deputy J. Gerres was able to return to full duty in his assignment with the Warrant Apprehension Unit. As many of you probably remember, Sr. Dep. Gerres was seriously injured when he was struck by a fleeing vehicle on June 25, 2020. Sr. Dep Gerres endured multiple surgeries and many long hours of physical therapy to be able to overcome his injuries and return to full duty.
The incident started at approximately 2:27 p.m. that day when deputies assigned to the Crime Suppression Unit of Harford County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on I-95 near the Rt. 24 underpass. During the traffic stop, the driver, and sole occupant of the vehicle, began to pull away from the deputy who had approached the passenger side of the vehicle, dragging the deputy as the driver fled the traffic stop. The suspect continued onto Rt. 152 before turning right onto Old Joppa Road. At that time, additional deputies, including Sr. Deputy Gerres, responded to assist. Tire spike strips were deployed at the intersection of Whitaker Mill Road and Old Joppa Road. The driver failed to stop at the intersection, striking Sr. Deputy Gerres, and other vehicles in the intersection. Sr. Deputy Gerres was airlifted to the R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, for non-life-threatening injures to his lower leg. The adult male suspect, who was identified was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit.
Thank you to all the citizens who sent their thoughts, prayers, and well wishes. In April, the HCSO will honor Sr. Dep. Gerres’ service and actions that day with a Purple Heart Award.
Bald Eagle Rescue
February 9, 2021
When you sign up for to be a police officer, this isn’t the kind of chase you expect!
Earlier today, Deputies assigned to the Northern Precinct, Animal Control Officers, and a nearby citizen, chased down an injured Eagle in the area of 165 and Old Pylesville Road.
It looks like this majestic large bird was struck by a car, but luckily Animal Control Officers were able to take it to Phoenix Wildlife Center, Inc. who is hopeful it’ll recover.
What an amazing and beautiful creature, we were honored to assist in finding a safe place to recover.
DFC Skrzypiec
February 5, 2021
Every day, deputies have the ability to change lives and leave a positive impression on the community they serve. It is an amazing feeling when a community member lets us know when we have made a great impact. We received this letter from a grateful parent commending one of our Deputies for his professional actions. DFC Skrzypiec is currently assigned as a School Resource Officer in our School Policing Unit, he joined the Harford County Sheriff’s Office in 2016.
“My son has Asperger’s Syndrome which is a highly functional person on the Autism spectrum. He was at the Taco Bell, on Pulaski Highway in Edgewood on this morning attempting to get something to eat. One of the employees there for whatever reason called the police on him because she was ‘uncomfortable.’ She was also attempting to have my son barred from coming to the Taco Bell! Unbelievable!!! I don’t know why she was uncomfortable my son was only attempting to ask her a question. I hate to make it about race however my son is 6’2″ and weighs about 230. He would not do anything to anyone. I hope I have his name correctly and he works for your department. This officer responded to the call and because of his professionalism and training, he recognized immediately that this was a non-issue. He had my son give me a call from his phone and the officer got on the phone and explained to me what was going on and that he was attempting to talk some sense into the employee at Taco Bell. The officer was very cordial and helpful and even offered to give my son a ride to his next destination to do some shopping. It makes me happy and proud to know that we have professionals such as Officer Skrzypiec employed in Harford County. This situation could have easily gone awry. Please commend him for his professionalism and let him know how appreciative I am of him going above and beyond the call of duty.”
K9 Demonstrations
January 27, 2021
Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to do many K9 demonstrations because of COVID-19 restrictions. But we’re very excited about a special video project we’re working on for the K9 Unit. Here’s a little sneak peak to help you get your Police Dog fix!
Starbucks
January 15, 2021
Some Friday love! This afternoon the Starbucks at Safeway Greenbriar donated coffee and some pastries!
Thank you for your support!