Maryland Natural Resources Police Welcomes 16 New Officers After Graduation

The Maryland Natural Resources Police has added 16 new officers to its force following a graduation ceremony in Baltimore. This marks the agency's first graduating class since November 2023, with eight new recruits and eight lateral transfers from other law enforcement agencies.

Maryland’s Natural Resources Police force has grown by 16 officers following a graduation ceremony that marked the agency’s first new class since November 2023.

The ceremony at Immanuel Baptist Church in Baltimore on Tuesday, March 24, honored eight officers who completed the 67th Basic Recruit Class and eight additional officers who joined through the 66th lateral recruiting class as transfers from other law enforcement departments.

Superintendent Colonel Orlando D. Lilly spoke to the new officers during the ceremony, emphasizing their commitment to public service.

“These officers have dedicated themselves to preparing to serve Maryland’s communities and natural resources,” Col. Lilly said. “As noble representatives of our agency, NRP officers exemplify what it means to serve people with pride while conserving the public lands, waters, fish, and wildlife that we treasure. We are grateful for their commitment and sacrifice as they embark on their service to the state.”

Following speeches from invited guests and keynote speaker Dr. RaShall Brackney, the officers received their oath of office and badges from Col. Lilly.

The new recruits underwent extensive preparation at the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions’ Sykesville facility, completing 39 weeks of comprehensive training and educational programs.

Their curriculum covered Maryland conservation law, criminal procedure, vehicle and traffic regulations, physical fitness, firearms training, wildlife identification, emergency vehicle operations, search and rescue techniques, land navigation, and boating navigation skills.

The newly sworn officers will now begin field assignments in patrol districts throughout Maryland, working alongside veteran officers to complete their hands-on training. Natural Resources Police officers possess full statewide law enforcement powers, including authority over criminal matters, motor vehicle violations, and natural resources regulations across all of Maryland.

Basic Recruit Class 67

Officer Ty A. Bean – Fort Washington, Prince George’s County

Officer Maranda E. Graybill – Union Bridge, Carroll County

Officer Samantha M. Harris – Pasadena, Anne Arundel County

Officer Parker W. Martin – Centreville, Queen Anne’s County

Officer Elizabeth M. Rogers – Essex, Baltimore County

Officer Justin M. Sherman – Reisterstown, Baltimore County

Officer Alexis M. Twigg – Clearville, Bedford County (Pa.)

Officer Sidney D. Vann – Joppa, Harford County

Lateral Class 66

Officer Andrew H. Anderson – Swanton, Garrett County

Officer Benjamin L. Click – Cumberland, Allegany County

Officer Mariah B. Dolan – Oldtown, Allegany County

Officer Alison P. Ferris – Glen Burnie, Anne Arundel County

Officer James A. Koscielski III – Dundalk, Baltimore County

Officer Chad S. Schroyer – Chester, Queen Anne’s County

Officer Bryant D. Simmons – Fishing Creek, Dorchester County

Officer Ryan R. Walker – Ocean City, Worcester County

The Maryland Natural Resources Police has historical significance as the state’s oldest statewide police agency, with origins dating back to 1868, making it among the nation’s earliest state conservation law enforcement organizations.