By Blue Lives Matter
Wicomico County Sheriff’s Deputy Steven Ray died unexpectedly of a “medical episode” on Thursday, according to the sheriff.
“We’re still in shock and are at a loss for words,” Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis told WMDT. “”He was a family member of our office, he was a brother and he was a colleague.”
“We’re simply not sure what happened,” Sheriff Lewis told The Daily Times on Friday.
An autopsy was scheduled to take place in Baltimore.
Deputy Ray passed away less than 24 hours after his last scheduled shift, the sheriff said.
The 18-year veteran of the force was a member of the department’s emergency response team, as well as the motor unit, he added.
Deputy Ray, 42, was a “proud United States Marine,” and a “loyal and dedicated” member of the department, the agency said in a Facebook post.
He also worked as a middle school and high school soccer coach, WMDT reported.
“Going from volunteer coach, to assistant coach to head coach last year, he’s instilled a lot of discipline and toughness in our boys,” Athletic Director Kory Shiles said.
“He was a tough coach, but that’s kind of why we liked him, and what he brought out our boys was their very best.”
“He was just a great role model and father figure for those kids, and he pushed them to do their very best on the field and for those who have graduated to be great,” Shiles added.
Deputy Ray leaves behind a longtime girlfriend, three sons, and four siblings.
“I ask that you keep the men and women of the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office and the Family of Deputy Steven Ray in your thoughts and prayers as they will be experiencing many difficult days ahead,” Sheriff Lewis said in the department’s post.
“Thank you Stevie Ray for serving the citizens of Wicomico County with distinction and pride,” he added. “Semper Fi.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Wicomico County Sheriff’s Deputy Steven Ray, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Hero Down: Raleigh Pd Officer Emmet Paul Morris Killed In Car Crash Fire
By Blue Lives Matter
Raleigh Police Officer Emmet Paul “E.P.” Morris was killed in the line of duty on Thursday, when he lost control of his patrol vehicle on Highway 18, and crashed into a tree.
The vehicle burst into flames, and was soon engulfed, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
Details of the single-vehicle collision were not released, and the incident remained under investigation, the Clarion Ledger reported.
Officer Morris, 61, had been with the Raleigh Police Department for approximately two years.
Prior to his service in Raleigh, Officer Morris worked as an officer for the Reservoir Police Department, the agency said in a Facebook post.
“Paul was very knowledgeable in many facets of safety and emergency response but what he is most remembered for is his always happy, always optimistic personality,” the Reservoir PD said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Morris family during this difficult time.”
Raleigh City Attorney David Garner described Officer Morris as a “faithful servant” to the community, according to the Clarion Ledger.
“He was one of these guys that had a sweet spirit of service about him and he really enjoyed working with people,” Garner said.
Kathy Lillie Martin recalled Officer Morris’ willingness to participate in local events, and said he was a “very precious” member of the community.
“[He was] always willing to lend a helping hand, a smile or arrest the Grinch at Raleigh Elementary,” Martin wrote. “Prayers for his family. He will be greatly missed.”
“On behalf of my family, we’d like to take this time to thank each and every one of you,” Casey Sumrall said in a post.
“My uncle never met a stranger and he loved what he did for a living. He will be missed, but he will always be loved. Once more on behalf of my aunt, cousins, and family thank you and may God bless.”
Officer Morris will be laid to rest on Tuesday, according to his family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Raleigh Police Officer Emmet Paul “E.P.” Morris, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Editor’s Note: Our thoughts and prayers are with the family’s of Deputy Ray and Officer Morris, both blood and blue. Thank you for your dedication to making our communities a safer place for all.
