Deputy Sheriff’s Association / Office of the Sheriff Remembers Fallen Deputies at 10th Anniversary - Memorial Dedication Ceremony

Upper Marlboro, MD…  The Deputy Sheriff’s Association of Prince George’s County was joined today by Sheriff Melvin C. High, along with retired Sheriffs Michael A. Jackson and James V. Aluisi, and nearly 100 guests in a remembrance ceremony marking the 10^th anniversary of the line of duty deaths of Sergeant James Arnaud and Deputy First Class Elizabeth Magruder.  Family members in attendance included Jamey Arnaud, daughter of Sgt. Arnaud, and Derwin Magruder, husband of DFC Magruder.

 

President of the Deputy Sheriff’s Association, Cpl. Stan Moore, said “Today is a great day for the Office of the Sheriff.  We finally get to memorialize our fallen brother and sister with a place for all members to visit for many years to come.  We not only dedicate this memorial to Sgt. Arnaud and DFC Magruder, but to all of the deputies who serve and protect with such commitment and unselfishness each and every day.”

The ceremony, held on the grounds of the new “Fallen Hero’s Memorial” at the Office of the Sheriff’s Headquarters in Upper Marlboro, MD, highlighted Sergeant Arnaud’s and Deputy First Class Magruder’s devotion to duty and selfless service.

 

Sheriff High spoke to the fact that, in spite of the risks, members of law enforcement decide to take the oath anyway, saying “I believe this places our work in the special category of a calling – a mission if you will – not a job.  No doubt this was the view of Sgt. Arnaud and Deputy Magruder as they took our oath.  Their deaths mark the first line of duty deaths in 306 years of our history…Let us pray they are the last.”  High also thanked the family members of the deputies saying, “We know it is the love and understanding of each of our families that make it possible for us to go out each day to fulfill our duty.”

Sgt. Arnaud and DFC Magruder were killed in the line of duty, on August 29, 2002, while attempting service of an emergency petition.

Retired Sheriff Michael Jackson commented, “Having the opportunity to work with both Sergeant Arnaud and Deputy First Class Magruder, I will never forget their selfless commitment to the citizens of Prince George’s County. I am glad that we’ve completed this memorial as lasting tribute to their service.”

Retired Sheriff James Aluisi remarked, “This is a sad day of remembrance for our fallen, but one where we rejoice in knowing that they will never be forgotten.”

  

For more information contact the Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Press Information Office at 301-780-2773.