Happy Birthday US Marine Corps!

Marine Corps Birthday: (excerpt from Warrior Culture of the U.S. Marines, copyright 2001 Marion F. Sturkey) All U.S. Marines are gung-ho. But, few can match the vision and total commitment of the famous 13th Commandant, Gen. John A. Lejeune. In 1921 he issued Marine Corps Order No. 47, Series 1921. Gen. Lejeune's order summarized the history, mission, and tradition of the Corps. It further directed that the order be read to all Marines on 10 November of each year to honor the founding of the Marine Corps. Thereafter, 10 November became a unique day for U.S. Marines throughout the world. Soon, some Marine commands began to not only honor the birthday, but celebrate it. In 1923 the Marine Barracks at Ft. Mifflin, Pennsylvania, staged a formal dance. The Marines at the Washington Navy Yard arranged a mock battle on the parade ground. At Quantanamo Bay, Cuba, the Marine baseball team played a Cuban team and won, 9 to 8. The first "formal" Birthday Ball took place on Philadelphia in 1925. First class Marine Corps style, all the way! Guests included the Commandant, the Secretary of War (in 1925 the term "politically correct" didn't exist; it was Secretary of War, not Secretary of Defense), and a host of statesmen and elected officials. Prior to the Ball, Gen. Lejeune unveiled a memorial plaque at Tun Tavern. Then the entourage headed for the Benjamin Franklin Hotel and an evening of festivities and frolicking. Over the years the annual Birthday Ball grew and grew, taking on a life of its own. In 1952 the Commandant, Gen. Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr., formalized the cake-cutting ceremony and other traditional observances. For example, Marine Corps policy now mandates that the first piece of cake must be presented to the oldest U.S. Marine present. The second piece goes to the youngest Marine. Among the many such mandates is a solemn reading of the Commandant's birthday message to the Corps. Like the U.S. Marine Corps itself, the annual Birthday Ball has evolved from simple origins to the polished and professional functions of today. Nonetheless, one thing remains constant, the tenth day of November! This unique holiday for warriors is a day of camaraderie, a day to honor Corps and Country. Throughout the world on 10 November, U.S. Marines celebrate the birth of their Corps -- the most loyal, most feared, most revered, and most professional fighting force the world has ever known.

Don’t Be a Turkey This Thanksgiving. Buckle Up America. Every Trip. Every Time.

Highway travel during the 2009 Thanksgiving holiday week is expected to be heavy , as families pile into their cars and head off for holiday destinations. But there’s one sure recipe that can turn a joyful holiday into a tragedy: failure to buckle up. “Seat belts are the single most important safety device in your vehicle and they have saved countless lives and prevented untold numbers of injuries over the years,” said Public Affairs Officer Michael Levy. “I urge everyone driving on our state’s roads this holiday to drive carefully, don’t drive impaired and, most important, buckle up each and every trip, night or day.” Nationally during the Thanksgiving holiday period in 2008 (which ran from 6 p.m. Wednesday, November 26, to 5:59 a.m., Monday, December 1), 389 passenger vehicle occupants died in motor vehicle traffic crashes, including 156 during daylight hours (6 a.m. to 5:59 p.m.) and 231 during nighttime (6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m.). Two fatalities were unknown regarding time. Nighttime is the most dangerous time on the road because seat belt use is lower. Of the 231 passenger vehicle occupant deaths in motor vehicle traffic crashes at night during the 2008 Thanksgiving holiday period over two-thirds (67%) did not have their seat belts fastened (where seat belt use was known); while 40 percent of fatalities in daytime crashes were not wearing seat belts. “Thanksgiving is the iconic American holiday,” said Levy. “Unfortunately, some people seem willing to forego this classic family gathering for the pleasures of an emergency room, or worse, the morgue, simply because they didn’t take a second to buckle up before driving.” According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, regular seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. Research has shown that when lap and shoulder belts are used properly, the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger car occupants is reduced by 45 percent, and the risk of moderate to serious injury is reduced by 50 percent.

“If you fail to buckle up during this holiday period, you run the risk of getting a ticket, or worse, getting killed or injured,” Levy warned. “Make sure the only belt left unbuckled this Thanksgiving is the one at the dinner table, not the one in your vehicle.”

For more information about highway safety during Thanksgiving, please visit www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov.

MARYLAND LAUNCHES ‘SILVER ALERT’ PROGRAM

According to a press release issued by the Maryland State Police, state officials gathered last month to initiate a new law aimed at assisting in the timely recovery of individuals with cognitive disorders who have gone missing. Maryland’s new “Silver Alert” program became law in early October. The law directs the Maryland State Police to coordinate a notification plan that will be activated when certain criteria are met involving a person with a cognitive disorder who is missing. Patterned after the AMBER Alert program for critically missing children, the Silver Alert requires that certain criteria be met involving the missing person. If the situation warrants, state or local police investigating the disappearance will contact the Maryland State Police Silver Alert coordinator. Upon confirmation of the Silver Alert criteria, the coordinator will contact the Maryland Emergency Management Agency and request an emergency alert. This alert will go to all Maryland police departments, media outlets, and 9-1-1 centers. The State Police coordinator will also contact the State Highway Administration. Alert information, including a description of the person and the vehicle he or she is traveling in, will then be displayed on overhead highway signs in the geographic area where the missing person was last seen. Information may also be broadcast on the Highway Advisory Radio network. The Silver Alert program is the result of legislation introduced in the Maryland General Assembly by Delegate Benjamin Kramer and Senator Rona Kramer, both of whom are from Montgomery County. The legislation was passed and signed into law by Governor Martin O’Malley. “Our new Silver Alert program gives us a coordinated way to communicate information about a critically missing person quickly and to as many people as possible,” Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Terrence B. Sheridan said. “Governor O’Malley tells us often that in Maryland, our families come first. Our families include our dearly loved senior citizens, or others who may have cognitive disorders, whom we hold in high regard.” “This alert system is designed to reunite families,” said Maryland Department of Human Resources Secretary Brenda Donald. “There are few things more disconcerting for a family than to have its elderly member go missing. Having invested in this program, Governor O'Malley has invested in the well-being of families.” “The establishment of Maryland’s Silver Alert will undoubtedly save lives,” Senator Rona Kramer said. “With the implementation of this system, we will help protect the missing person from potential abuse, exploitation, or even loss of life.” “This is a relevant and meaningful public safety initiative,” Delegate Benjamin Kramer said. “Maryland’s Silver Alert will trigger an immediate response upon notification of a missing person who suffers from a cognitive impairment. Our most vulnerable residents deserve no less than our very best efforts.” In order for an alert to be issued, a police department must request the alert after the following criteria are met: * The missing person must suffer from a cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer’s, or dementia * The person’s disappearance must pose a true threat to the person’s health and safety; * The missing person must be traveling in a vehicle and there must be enough descriptive information about the person and the vehicle for police to issue an alert * The investigating police department has already activated a local alert by contacting media in their area * The missing person has been entered into the National Crime Information Center database. It is important to have strict criteria that must be met before an alert is issued in order for the program to be effective. However, when a person goes missing and circumstances do not warrant a Silver Alert, law enforcement will still do everything possible to find the missing person. The Maryland State Police will provide any assistance necessary for search and rescue operations. This will likely involve the deployment of K-9 units, including the Department’s outstanding bloodhound teams. State Police bloodhound teams find dozens of missing persons each year, some of whom are senior citizens who have walked away and become lost. Maryland State Police helicopters will also be available for searches and rescues. They are equipped with infra-red cameras that help find people even in remote areas. The State Police also has specially trained search teams who can track people on foot in all types of terrain and surroundings.

2010 Mobile MVA Schedule Listed Below

The Motor Vehicle Administration recently announced the first half of the 2010 Mobile MVA Schedule. The dates for the Ocean City Mobile MVA (which is located on 66th Street and Coastal Highway) are as followed:

• January 12, 2010
• February 9, 2010
• March 16, 2010
• April 13, 2010
• May 11, 2010
• June 8, 2010

OCPD Visits Worcester Prep

Ocean City Police Corporal Dennis Eade recently visited Worcester Prep School to discuss drug, alcohol and social issues that effect teenagers every year and in every community in our nation. Since Homecoming is celebrated by most High Schools in the nation, it was important to explain to students how critical it is to make smart and safe decisions. In addition, Cpl. Eade explained how the decisions made by teenagers can not only effect them, but can effect those around them for the rest of their life. The Ocean City Police Department is excited to be a part of Worcester Prep's Homecoming festivities and is anxious to continuing building a relationship with their students, teachers and staff.

OCPD OFFICER OF THE MONTH: ANDREW SPRAGUE

The Ocean City Police Department recently announced the 2009 October Officer of the Month. Officer Andrew Sprague was nominated by several supervisors for his continuous hard work and dedication to patrolling the streets of Ocean City. An example of Sprague's accomplishments include a traffic stop he initiated on October 2, 2009 when he pulled over a suspicious vehicle which resulted in the recovery of numerous items of stolen property, as well as drugs. Several burglary cases were solved due to Officer Sprague's traffic stop. Officer Sprague was born in Illinois but spent most of his childhood in Des Moines, Iowa. After completing high school he joined the United States Marine Corps where he was active for four years. He joined the OCPD in 2007 as a seasonal officer and has been a full-time Ocean City Police Officer since January 2008. Congratulations Officer Sprague and Keep Up the Great Work!

Senate and House Pass Resolution for Crime Prevention Month

According to the National Crime Prevention website, the United States House of Representatives passed resolution 177 to recognize officially October as Crime Prevention Month. They join their United States Senate members who passed the resolution in early October. Each year in October the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) observes Crime Prevention Month to encourage citizens to work with local law enforcement to prevent crime in their communities. This October more than 125 communities in 32 states joined NCPC in its fight against crime and in support of this important month by Celebrating Safe Communities. NCPC, collaborating with the National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA), and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), created Celebrate Safe Communities, which was designed to help local law enforcement agencies and their community partners kick off celebrations of Crime Prevention Month.Celebrate Safe Communities not only introduces law enforcement to their communities, but serves as a platform to allow law enforcement to discuss current crime issues with the people in their community and listen to their concerns. Last week McGruff celebrated Crime Prevention Month on Capitol Hill by visiting with Congressional staff members and leaders for a photo opportunity. McGruff also joined local officials from the D.C. metropolitan area to Celebrate Safe Communities. McGruff and NCPC staff greeted Metro riders at the numerous stops around town and invited them to “step up to a safer community” while members passed out informative fliers, pens and pins. NCPC first declared October as Crime Prevention Month in 1984. The organization, best known for McGruff the Crime Dog, would like everyone to remember prevention helps strengthen the community and build a connection. It requires the cooperation of citizens, civic groups, and law enforcement, and, frequently, the business community, faith-based groups, and all levels of government. For more information about Crime Prevention Month or Celebrate Safe Communities, please contact Michelle Boykins at 202-261-4184 or Amy Vimislicky at 202-261-4156. For information on the National Crime Prevention Council, please visit www.ncpc.org.

K-9 Charlie makes FULL Recovery thanks to Support and Generosity of Community and Vet!

During May 2009, OCPD K-9 Charlie suffered from two slipped disks and one ruptured disk in his back that was causing him to lose feeling in his back and hind legs. After several appointments with the vet and trips to Annapolis and The Pet Imaging Center Technology by Proscan in Vienna, Virginia, Charlie underwent surgery to correct his injury. On May 26, 2009 K-9 Charlie had surgery at Chesapeake Veterinarian Surgical Specialist (CVRC) in Annapolis. Charlie's surgery was completed by Dr. Joseph Prostredny and his staff and all three disks were repaired. Charlie came out of surgery with a great prognosis and had no immediate issues or concerns with the surgery. After several weeks of recovery and physical therapy, Charlie was able to return to work on July 16, 2009. While he was able to do basic police work, including basic aggression work and most detection work, he was not able to do anything that included jumping. Although Charlie’s return to work began slowly, he was excited to be back to duty and it showed by the 21 drug arrests that he was responsible for since July 16, 2009. On September 30, 2009, Charlie had the final visit with Dr Prostredny. Charlie cleared all Dr Prostredny’s tests and he had all restrictions lifted on him due to his remarkable recovery and progress. Charlie’s partner, PFC Earl Campbell, was a large part of the Charlie’s recovery. “After going through this surgical and recovery period and dealing with the VET staff at CVRC, I was totally amazed at their professionalism and dedication to correct Charlie’s injury”, commented PFC Campbell. “I have had the experience of working with vets in my previous employment and the vets at CVRC are top notch. Dr Prostredny and his staff are by far, the best group of vets I have ever been around.” In addition to the professional nature of Dr. Prostredny and his staff, it is also important to note the generous nature of their staff who donated much of their time and expertise to Charlie and the Town of Ocean City. In addition, Charlie received support from the Fraternal Order of Police, the Mayor and City Council, and the overwhelming amount of emails and calls from members of our department, outside surrounding agencies, local business owners and family showing concern for K-9 Charlie. Friends and co-workers have greatly made this trying time much easier. Charlie is back to full duty and is serving the Ocean City Community in more ways then one. His love and commitment to his job has been displayed through his courage and will to recover. He is officially on the road doing what he loves best, protecting the citizens of Ocean City.

OCPD Team Up with Maryland’s Local Law Enforcement to Combine Efforts To Keep Roadways Safe During Halloween Weekend

As the year of 2009 inches closer to its conclusion, Maryland’s law enforcement leaders are preparing strategic operations initiatives to ensure Maryland’s motorists arrive safely into 2010. The Maryland Chiefs of Police Association (MCPA) and the Maryland Sheriffs Association are pleased to join with the Maryland Highway Safety Office, along with state and local law enforcement agencies, in supporting a safe and sober environment for both motorists and pedestrians. Through increased and targeted drunk driving saturation patrols, and sobriety checkpoints throughout the Halloween weekend, agencies aim to arrest anyone who drives under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Alcohol has been and continues to be a major factor in fatal crashes on Halloween. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2008, 58 percent of all highway fatalities across the nation on Halloween night (6 pm October 31 to 5:59 am November 1) involved a driver or a motorcycle rider with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, which is illegal in every state. In Maryland in 2008, there were over 82 alcohol related crashes and a staggering 5 alcohol related fatalities during the Halloween weekend. Maryland’s law enforcement agencies have incorporated a comprehensive data-driven approach in an effort to reduce impaired driving this Halloween weekend. Throughout the state of Maryland, drivers will witness an intensive amount of law enforcement officials conducting sobriety checkpoints and a less visible but highly effective enforcement strategy with increased patrol vehicles actively searching for drunk drivers in areas that have traditionally experienced high numbers of drunk driving arrests or crashes. Police chiefs stress the importance that whether you drive a car, truck or motorcycle, if you are caught driving impaired, there will be repercussions. Strict enforcement of impaired driving laws are necessary as alcohol-impaired-driving is one of America's most often committed and deadliest crimes. In 2008, 11,773 people were killed in the U.S. highway crashes involving a driver or motorcycle rider with an illegal BAC of .08 or higher - 32 percent of total traffic fatalities for the year. “The costumes may hide your identity at a Halloween party,” said President of the MCPA and Chief Superintendent of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police George F. Johnson IV. “But should you decide to get behind the wheel of an automobile after consuming alcohol, be forewarned that there is no masking of impairment.” Pedestrians, especially young children, are particularly vulnerable on Halloween weekend. With many youth out after dark and oftentimes dressed in dark clothing, law enforcement will be especially diligent in ensuring motorists are aware of pedestrians. In 2008 there were 31 pedestrians injured in motor vehicle crashes and one fatality. “Our law enforcement community is on high alert this weekend not only for pedestrian violations,” said President of the Maryland Sheriffs Association Sheriff Mike Evans. “But also for motorists who compromise the safety of pedestrians.” It is law enforcement’s position that any loss of life is completely unacceptable, particularly when these deaths are preventable. Enforcement patrols will be working diligently to reduce these numbers, along with the number of impaired driving related-injury crashes, which totaled a staggering 88 for the Halloween weekend in 2008. The Maryland Chiefs of Police Association and the Maryland Sheriffs Association urge motorists and party-goers to adhere to the following advice: • Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin • Before drinking, please designate a sober driver • If you’re impaired, and haven't designated a sober driver, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely • If you live in Baltimore, call 1-877-963-TAXI for a free ride home from a bar (up to $50, courtesy of the Tipsy?Taxi! program) • If you live in the DC Metro area, call 1-800-200-TAXI for a free ride home from a bar(up to $50, courtesy of the Sober Ride program) • If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to call 911.

OCPD Reminds You to Be Safe While You Trick-or-Treat

While Halloween may be a fun holiday for kids, parents often find trick-or-treat time can be a little scary because concerns about children’s safety, whether they are out in the neighborhood or back at home with bountiful bags of goodies, can cast a spell on the evening’s festivities. But not to worry! Following a few safety tips will ensure that Halloween will be a “howling” good time for all.

Preparing Ghosts and Goblins for

Their Tricks and Treats

• Make sure older kids go out with friends.

Younger children should be accompanied by

an adult. If you live in a rural area, offer all

kids a ride in the car.

• Set a time limit for children to trick-or-treat.

Together, map out a safe route so you

know where they’ll be. Remind them not to

take shortcuts through backyards, alleys, or

playing fields.

• Remind kids not to enter a strange house

or car.

• Try to get kids to trick-or-treat while it is still

light out. If it is dark, make sure the children

are carrying flashlights that work.

Pranks That Can Be a Little Tricky

Halloween is notoriously a night of pranks—

toilet papering a house or filling mailboxes with

shaving cream are not unusual. Try to get a

handle on your children’s plans before they go

out. Explain to them that while you want them

to have a good time, some tricks could hurt other

people or vandalize property. Emphasize that you

disapprove of vandalism.

Eating the Treats

• Kids need to know not to eat their treats until

they get home. One way to keep trick-or-treaters

from digging in while they’re still

out is to feed them a meal or substantial

snack beforehand.

• Check out all treats at home in a well lighted

place.

• What to eat? Only unopened candies and

other treats that are in original wrappers.

Don’t forget to inspect fruit and homemade

goodies for anything suspicious. By all means,

remind kids not to eat everything at once or

they’ll be feeling pretty ghoulish for a while.

“Unhaunting” Your House and

Neighborhood

• Welcome trick-or-treaters at home by turning

on your exterior lights.

• Remove objects from your yard that might

present a hazard to visitors.

• Ask your Neighborhood Watch or citizens’

group to patrol the community.

• Involve students from a local college or

university to be “witch’s helpers.” These

students help trick-or-treaters cross busy

streets and watch out for ghoulish behavior.

• Drive slowly all evening—you never know

what creature may suddenly cross your path.

• Report any suspicious or criminal activity to

your local police or sheriff ’s department.

Consider This

Parents and kids can avoid trick-or-treating

troubles entirely by organizing a Halloween

costume party with treats, games, contests,

music, scary stories, and much more. Make

your Halloween party the place to be! Schools,

fi re stations, libraries, even malls in many

communities organize “haunted houses” and

other festivities for families.

Making Safe Costumes

• Check that costumes are flame-retardant so

the little ones aren’t in danger near candlelit

jack-o-lanterns and other fire hazards.

• Keep costumes short to prevent trips, falls,

and other bumps in the night.

• Encourage kids to wear comfortable shoes.

Try makeup instead of a mask. Masks

can be hot and uncomfortable and, more

importantly, they can obstruct a child’s

vision—a dangerous thing when kids are

crossing streets and going up and down steps.

• Make sure kids wear light colors or put

reflective tape on their costumes.

Dressed Up and Dangerous?

Halloween blood and gore are harmless stuff for

the most part. But sometimes dressing up as a

superhero, a scary monster, or a slimy alien from

outer space—coupled with the excitement of

Halloween—brings out aggressive behavior. Even

fake knives, swords, and guns can accidentally

hurt people. If these objects are part of a

child’s costume, make sure they are made from

cardboard or other flexible materials. Better yet,

challenge kids to create costumes that don’t need

“weapons” to be scary and fun.

Take the McGruff Halloween Safety QUIZ by clicking HERE! Also, print this quiz and give to your child or grandchild as a halloween coloring sheet!!