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Wednesday, March 10, 2010
 Click here to enlarge this photo Staff photo by DARWIN WEIGEL
Tfc. K. Hunt, left, was named Trooper of the Year for Prince Frederick Barrack and Sgt. Larry Titus was named Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year for the barrack and the Southern Maryland Region. Both are now in the running for the state titles.
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Hunt No. 1 in Prince Frederick barrack stats
The Trooper of the Year for the Maryland State Police Prince Frederick Barrack is no stranger to awards and commendations, earning several while serving eight years in the U.S. Army Reserves.
Tfc. K. Hunt, 27, said he was "definitely surprised" at the selection, adding, "there are a lot of good troopers in the barrack."
Lt. Randy Stephens, commander of the Prince Frederick Barrack, said Hunt has done an outstanding job this past year, his first year with the barrack.
"He was unanimously selected as No. 1 by every person who voted," Stephens said. He's a well-rounded trooper and "doesn't just focus on one aspect of the job," he said.
Hunt, who was assigned to the La Plata Barrack for two years after graduating from the Maryland State Police Academy in June 2006, said, "I tried to get over here to get into investigations."
A synopsis of Hunt's cases last year in his nomination for Trooper of the Year shows much footwork in investigations and a 64 percent arrest closure rate.
"I love investigating; thefts, fraud … any kind of investigation work — I love it," said Hunt, who earned a bachelor's degree in criminology graduating cum laude from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Despite his passion for police work, about five years ago he wasn't sure where his career was heading until he was stopped by a state trooper in Ocean City.
"He pulled me over for speeding," Hunt said.
Instead of being upset, Hunt said he was impressed by the trooper's professionalism and it sparked his interest in being a state trooper.
"I saw the caliber of people [at the state police] and started applying," he said.
Hunt's supervisor, Cpl. J. Bowman, said Hunt attempted to take any and every specialized training course dealing with investigations and criminal work in 2009 and is currently taking classes for a master's degree in forensic psychology.
Hunt is also a team player, who always helps troopers with arrests and paperwork after his shift has ended.
Hunt gives credit to his fellow troopers saying they, along with his supervisors, are always helpful and "it's a great place to work." He also acknowledges deputies from the Calvert County Sheriff's Office who have helped him with back-up on calls.
According to his nomination by Bowman, during the calendar year 2009, Hunt consistently performed at a superior level to that of his peers.
Hunt was first at the Prince Frederick Barrack in total traffic stops with 1,372. During those traffic stops, Hunt wrote 1,212 citations and 500 warnings, which ranked him No. 1 at the barrack for citations.
Hunt also led the barrack in accident reports and criminal adult arrests and was second in juvenile arrests, preceded by Sgt. Larry Titus.
Hunt completed 2009 with a case closure rate of 64 percent which is well above the national average, and was awarded Trooper of the Month in June and November 2009.
"Hunt gives 100 percent to his daily activities and has an unparallel work ethic and always attempts to learn more to make him a distinguished trooper," Bowman stated.
Titus earns state police regional award
A familiar name in the county's school system earned the title of Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year for the Maryland State Police Prince Frederick Barrack and for the Southern Maryland Region.
Sgt. Larry Titus, MSP's school liaison, humbly said he was just doing what he normal does each year and might have stood out as a nominee because of his senior position with 20 years at the barrack and his mentoring of young troopers.
Titus, who grew up in Chesapeake Beach, said after working at the Annapolis barrack for six years he was called and asked to fill the school liaison position for Calvert.
"It seemed like nobody wanted it," he said, adding, "I'd die to come down here for that." And he did 20 years ago.
Commander of the Prince Frederick Barrack Lt. Randy Stephens said, "[Titus has] done so many things above and beyond what a supervisor does." Through his position as school liaison, he said, Titus also heads criminal investigations completing all the paper work and follow up while most supervisors are not tasked to do so.
"He's statistically one of the highest producing sergeants in the state," Stephens said. Along with his police duties, Stephens said, he is "well-respected" and "the go-to guy in this county."
On his possible selection for the state level title, Stephens said, "He has a really good chance. That would be great if he got that."
Because of his position, Titus said, "My stats look like a brand new trooper."
Det. Sgt. Albert Paton wrote five pages of Titus's successful case work, accomplishments, programs and community involvement in his nomination for Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year.
"He has just a huge impact on the kids in this county," Paton said, adding, parents who knew him when they were kids now have kids of their own who know him through the schools and his community volunteering.
In the schools, Titus sets up the curriculum for the high schools Criminal Justice Program and was the consultant during the implementation of the "Student Code of Conduct" relating to the Board of Education's policy on bullying and harassment. Titus plays the role of family mediator, hosting meetings between the families of students who are having ongoing disputes and also coordinating student counseling and action planning when students deal with a traumatic event.
In the community, Titus trains the program leaders and educates the neighborhood residents on the 15-year-old Neighborhood Watch Program and is a member of several civic organizations.
Thirteen years ago, Titus started Camp C.O.P.S (Courage to be Outstanding with Pride and Self confidence), a summer camp for local middle school students where law enforcement officers from around the region put on displays and events designed to educate students in the various aspects of law enforcement.
He also started the Junior Police Academy 12 years ago for high school students who are enrolled in their high school's Criminal Justice Program.
Selected candidates spend a week at the Maryland State Police Academy in Sykesville experiencing academy life while receiving instruction in academics, drill and ceremony and physical training, wrote Paton in his nomination. Now these programs started by Titus are regional, he said.
"He's really dedicated himself to his job. I thought it was about time he be recognized," Paton said.
Titus, with 26 years with the state police, said he is thinking about retiring, but not retiring from public service.
"I believe it's like taking steps. You take one step while preparing for the next step," he said.
Titus said he aspires for a second career in county politics, although, he is not divulging the position he may seek.
"I'm looking at what I know best," he said. Being a successful person in supervision and politics requires someone who listens, Titus said.
