"Farewell To A Fallen Hero" 2000
This image was captured at the funeral of Maryland State Police Corporal Edward M. Toatley. He was a 16 year veteran, a husband and the father of 3 children ages 18 months, 5 and 18 years old. At the age of thirty seven he was killed during a drug raid, his killer was caught in New York city 2 weeks after the shooting. Other funerals that I have captured were:
Baltimore City Police Officer Crystal Deneen Sheffield - killed in the line of duty in an automobile accident. She was a 3 veteran leaving behind her husband and 11 year old son, she was the first female officer killed in the line of duty. 8/22/02
Maryland State Trooper 1st Class Anthony Jones - killed in the line of duty on 5/9/04 by a drunk driver while helping a disabled motorist on Rt 50. Trooper Jones left behind his wife and two daughters. He was a 6 year veteran.
Baltimore Police Officer Brian Donte Winder - a 10 year veteran was shot and killed by a man who he had arrested one week earlier, Brian left behind his wife, two sons and a stepdaughter. 7/3/04
This part of me blog is dedicated to all of our Peace Officers nation wide and a special dedication to my brother Bill who has been on the Baltimore City Police force for over 28 years, the past 12 serving as a Homicide Detective. He was nominated in 2002 for Police Officer of the Year, which was awesome because our dad was Firefighter of the Year in 1972.
The Farewell print has been produced as an limited edition with #1 hanging in the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial office in Washington, DC. Proceeds are donated to that memorial fund. Visit their website at: www.nleomf.com