Standing before more than 100 Baltimore police officers gathered with their families, Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., called for God to protect them and grant them courage and wisdom in their actions to keep the city safe.
The officers were assembled on July 28 for the police department’s summer awards program in the Baltimore Convention Center. They were recognized for their actions to save lives, de-escalate situations, solve crimes and devise innovations and crime prevention strategies. A dozen awards were also given to non-sworn police employees, law enforcement from partner agencies and members of the public who acted heroically.
Bishop Lewandowski offered the invocation and benediction, praying for God to watch over all who give their lives to law enforcement.
“Protect them from all harm in the performance of their duty as they strive to make Baltimore City the best and greatest if could be,” the bishop said. “Be with them in every moment to lead and guide them in your way. We pray for them as they keep our streets and homes safe, day and night.
“Grant them strength, courage, wisdom, bravery, knowledge – all that they need from you, Lord God. We give thanks to them today for their many sacrifices.”
The Medal of Honor, the night’s most distinguished award, was given to Detective Brian Burke, who survived a gunshot wound to his stomach on June 14, 2020. Burke and his partner Officer Joshua Pultro – who received the Silver Star – responded to a party with some 250 people in West Baltimore when a man allegedly pulled a gun on a woman.
Burke told the suspect to put his gun down, and with numerous people packed in the crowd, the officer tried to disarm the suspect with his hands and was shot in the process. Even after he was injured, Burke joined his partner to subdue the suspect and take his weapon. No one else was injured.
Joining Mayor Brandon M. Scott for the ceremony was the top brass of the police department, including Commissioner Michael S. Harrison.
The commissioner commended the officers for accepting “a very noble calling,” and he said every one of awardees “epitomizes excellence and courage.”
“Each of you contribute to a department that is growing, evolving and improving daily,” Harrison said. “You inspire and motivate other people to follow in your footsteps.”
The vision for the police department under Harrison is governed by seven core focus areas: crime reduction, community engagement and policing, continuous agency improvement, creating a culture of service and accountability, connectivity, capacity building and communication.
Two members of the public received the Citizen Award for saving the life of a person who jumped into the Inner Harbor while experiencing a behavioral health crisis. Also honored was an officer who rescued a person from a house fire and two others who saved the life of a woman and child during a domestic violence assault.
In praying for the officers, Bishop Lewandowski sought God’s protection and grace for the whole city.
“Through them, keep us all safe and make Baltimore the place you want it to be for your people – a place of light, peace, joy and happiness, a shining city filled with wonder and awe,” he said.
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