Statement from Sheriff Donald L. Baker, JR

Chief Manos has over 35 years of law enforcement experience. His career began with the Maryland State Police where he served in the Drug Enforcement Division as a covert operator. He investigated, infiltrated, and dismantled complex drug and criminal activities. For part of this time, Chief Manos was assigned to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), working in the Washington D.C., New York City, and Miami field offices. He was often asked to serve as a law enforcement liaison to state dignitaries, police administrators, and federal and state judicial officers.

Chief Manos graduated from the DEA Task Force Officers School and DEA Laboratory Team Leaders School in Quantico Virginia. Chief Manos has received several awards including a Medal of Valor from Governor Hughes. Chief Manos is a member of the Maryland Municipal Police Executives and regularly attends leadership and professional development training.

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Pfc. Christopher was first hired as a police officer in Ridgely in 1988. He served as the Chief of Police from 1995-1997. From 1997-2000, Pfc. Christopher was a member of the Maryland Natural Resources Police. He was elected Sheriff of Sussex County, DE in 2009 and served for six years. Pfc. Christopher has received numerous awards throughout his career. He is a certified police trainer and firearms instructor.

Pfc. Harper started his law enforcement career in 1984 as a Park Ranger at Gunpowder Falls State Park in Baltimore County. Working his way up through the ranks, Pfc. Harper was the Area Manager at one of Maryland’s busiest day-use areas. He later became the Assistant Manager at Tuckahoe and Martinak State Parks. After 20 years of service with the Maryland Park Service, Pfc. Harper transferred to the Natural Resources Police. He retired from there in 2012, and began his career with the Ridgely Police Department. Pfc. Harper is a certified Search and Rescue Manager and has received numerous awards for both public service and investigative efforts.

Cpl. Ewing has been with the Ridgely Police Department for 10 years.He is currently the Unit Supervisor for the Department’s K-9 unit with his partner K-9 Ranger. Prior to joining the Ridgely Police Department, Cpl. Ewing worked 6-1/2 years for the Department of Defense Police, 5-1/2 years at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, and one year at the Navy Yard in Washington DC. Before becoming a police officer, Cpl. Ewing served four years in the U.S. Navy aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS America, during which time was deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Desert Storm. Cpl. Ewing is a certified Emergency Medical Technician and Volunteer Firefighter.

Sgt. Geesey graduated from the University of Maryland in 1990. He started his career in law enforcement with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office in 1991. Sgt. Geesey was a member of the agency’s Honor Guard, an Evidence Technician, a certified instructor, and a Field Training Officer. He received awards for both lifesaving & outstanding performance, and was also named Deputy of the Year in 1994. Sgt. Geesey is a 2005 graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command. He retired in 2014 as a member of the Command Staff, holding the rank of lieutenant. He joined the Ridgely Police Department in 2015 and is currently the Assistant Chief and a K-9 Handler.