SALISBURY — TidalHealth Peninsula Regional has again constructed its holiday star decoration atop the hospital in Salisbury. The unique star, measuring 22 feet from tip to tip, will be lit the day after Thanksgiving and remain illuminated throughout the holiday season.

The star has been the centerpiece of TidalHealth Peninsula Regional’s holiday decorating theme for the last 29 years. In 1995, following the death of Maryland State Police Trooper First Class Edward A. Plank Jr., who was lost in the line of duty, TidalHealth Peninsula Regional began dedicating the lighting of the star each year in Trooper Plank’s memory.

It also serves as a tribute to the hospital’s close working relationship with local emergency responders and law enforcement officers on the Delmarva Peninsula.

Eddie Plank was a Somerset County native who was shot and killed in the line of duty on U.S. 13 near Perry Road in October 1995. The son of Ed and Sandy Plank, he was 28 years old and married with a seventh-month-old daughter.

Other local law enforcers TidalHealth is asking residents to reflect on are Delmar Police Cpl. Keith Heacock and Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office Cpl. Glenn Hilliard who also made the ultimate sacrifice to public safety in April 2021 and June 2022, respectively.