02/13/2014
(PIKESVILLE, MD) -- Regardless of their normal assignments, Maryland state troopers are all focused on storm patrol today as more than 150 additional troopers assist with the state’s response to the latest snow.
Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Marcus L. Brown has ordered troopers not normally assigned to road patrol duties to work in emergency operation centers or supplement patrol troopers at barracks across the state. Extra troopers began their duties early this morning and will continue throughout the duration of the storm.
“Every Maryland state trooper knows he or she is to be a ‘full-service’ trooper and they are ready to take on a different assignment, especially when it involves ensuring public safety in times like this,” Colonel Brown said. “Our assignment today is to ensure those who need to travel on our highways are safe and to work in cooperation with the Maryland Emergency Management Agency, the State Highway Administration, the National Guard, and our allied law enforcement agencies to respond to those areas where our assistance is most needed.”
All leave was canceled for patrol troopers in the Field Operations Bureau and barracks will have full complements of troopers on patrol. Their patrols will be supplemented by troopers from the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, the Automotive Safety Enforcement Division, the Aviation Command, and the Special Tactical Assault Team Element. Four-wheel drive vehicles have been assigned to areas where snowfall is predicted to be the highest.
Troopers from the Support Services Bureau have been assigned to staff positions at the Maryland Emergency Management Agency Emergency Operations Center. They will be able to immediately direct State Police resources to locations where they are needed. Troopers from the Criminal Investigation Bureau will be detailed to county Emergency Operations Centers where they have been requested.
Marylanders are reminded of Governor O’Malley’s advice not to drive, unless it is an absolute necessity. If travel is undertaken, drivers are urged to use extreme caution, ensure their vehicle is in good working condition, and be certain they are carrying an emergency kit with them.
Citizens are urged not to call State Police barracks for road conditions, so troopers can be ready to take calls for more urgent needs. Marylanders can check up to the minute road conditions at www.roads.maryland.gov, or www.md511.org, or by dialing 511 on a cell phone when safe to do so.
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