Allegany County Sheriffs FOP Lodge #144

01/02/2026

Lets help out our brothers and sisters in red.

Legislative Priorities Survey – 2026 The Allegany Garrett County Volunteer Fire Rescue Association is gathering input from our members to help shape our 2026 legislative priorities at the local, state, and federal levels. Your feedback will help guide our advocacy efforts. All responses are option...

01/02/2026

Life Saving Award

On September 29th, 2018, Dfc. Richard Grimm responded to Corriganville, MD for a report of a female suffering from a medical emergency. Upon arrival, the female was not present, and her whereabouts unknown. Rather than leaving the area, Dfc. Grimm began to walk along the property. Hearing faint yells for help, Dfc. Grimm made his way to a passing stream where he found the female fighting to stay above the water. Dfc. Grimm immediately entered the waterway in his full gear and pulled the lady to safety.
Dfc. Grimm’s swift and decisive action saved the life of a fellow citizen. His actions exemplify the duty and commitment to public service embodied by all members of the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office and the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 144.

On Behalf of the Members of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 144,
Allegany County Sheriff’s

01/01/2026

As we continue to showcase the day to day exceptional work of our members, we would like for you to understand why the members are still willing to take the risks in our community while other communities struggle to maintain staffing.

The simple answer is TRUST. The trust we have in our current leadership, and our support from our great citizens.

That is why we not only support, but need the continued leadership of David Morgan for Sheriff for 2026, and beyond. HAPPY NEW YEAR

01/01/2026

Life Saving

On November 9th, 2025, Deputies responded to a report of a person in distress near Frostburg, MD. Upon arrival they the incident to be critical, with subject in the driveway of the home with a loaded firearm to his head. Deputies remained calm and immediately began to communicate with the him allowing time for a negotiations team to arrive. After approximately an hour deputies were able to convince the subject to place the weapon on the ground. After de-escalating the situation, the subject was taken into custody without injury.
The swift and decisive actions of:

Dep. Daniell Rodriguez, Senior Deputy Greg Edwards, Lieutenant Brett Lysinger, Lieutenant Vinny Benson, Lieutenant Israel Sibley

saved the life of a fellow citizen.

Their actions exemplify the duty and commitment to public service embodied by all members of the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office and the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 144

On Behalf of the Members of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 144, Allegany County Sheriff’s

12/31/2025

VALOR IN RESCUE
On December 2, 2022, in Frostburg, MD Allegany County Sheriff’s Deputies were informed of a potential hostage situation. Deputies, assisting the Frostburg Police, confirmed that a female was being held captive inside a home by a suspect armed with a knife. After several hours of negotiation, the victim was able to escape and was transported for urgent medical treatment.

Due to the clear and present danger presented to nearby school students, and local residents, deputies entered the home and confronted the suspect. Following a brief struggle with the still-armed suspect, he was taken into custody without injury to himself or the deputies involved. Had deputies not acted the victim would have undoubtedly been killed by her capture.

Therefore, on this 12th day of December, 2025, we proudly awarded the Valor in Rescue Award for their courage, and selfless actions.

Lt Brett Lysinger, Shawn Fratz, Larry Bennett, Greg Edwards, Dan Zarger, Lt. Sibley, Cpl. Derrick Pierce, Chase Mckenzie, Tyler Bittinger, Jon Dowden

On Behalf of the Members of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 144,
Allegany County Sheriff’s

12/30/2025

VALOR IN BRAVERY

On September 2, 2024, Sergeant Vincent Benson, Senior Deputy Tyler Bittinger, and Deputy First Class Shaun Vanmeter responded to a critically missing 7-year-old juvenile. All three quickly arrived in the area, and immediately began an extensive search coordinating a large number of responding rescuers. With the help of MSP aviation, the female was located in the water unresponsive. Sgt. Benson, S/D. Bittinger, and Dep. VanMeter rushed to the water’s edge and entered. Wearing approximately 50lbs of equipment, and facing cold water temperature they did not even for a split second hesitate or consider their own safety. The juvenile was brought to the bank, where CPR was initiated.
The Deputy’s actions that day were not only selfless but exemplify the true meaning of the Oath he has sworn. Therefore, on this 12th day of December, 2025, we proudly award him the Silver Star for demonstrating true commitment to public safety ahead of your own.

12/29/2025

To provide context to the article published today by the Cumberland Times-News, FOP Lodge #144 will be highlighting each award presented at this year’s banquet over the next few days. The Allegany County Sheriff’s Office FOP Lodge #144 is extremely proud of the hard work, dedication, and professionalism demonstrated by each and every deputy.

VALOR IN BRAVERY

On July 1, 2024, Sergeant Justin Gordon responded to a head-on motor vehicle collision with reported entrapment. Upon arrival, he immediately recognized that one operator was trapped and that the vehicle had begun to ignite.

With Fire Department personnel not yet on scene, Sgt. Gordon took immediate action. Utilizing small fire extinguishers, he placed himself within reach of the flames and single-handedly fought the fire—without hesitation or regard for his own safety.

Sgt. Gordon’s actions were selfless and exemplify the true meaning of the oath he has sworn. Therefore, on this 12th day of December, 2025, we proudly award him the Silver Star for demonstrating extraordinary bravery and an unwavering commitment to public safety above his own

12/29/2025

Please read, take sometime to learn what work is being done in the interest of public safety. Great work.

CUMBERLAND — Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 144, representing the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office deputies, held its first of what is planned to be an annual ceremony celebrating the accomplishments

12/22/2025

We recently held our first annual awards banquet, members were awarded for life saving actions, exceptional bravery, and rescuing a Frostburg resident who hand been held hostage at knife point for days, among others. Additionally members issued a Proclamation of unanimous support for Major Dave Morgan for sheriff. Our members remain committed to the safety of the citizens we serve.

12/15/2025