CAMBRIDGE - The Fraternal Order of Police, Cambridge-Dorchester Lodge #27 Inc., is attempting to build a lodge for local officers. Member officers from Cambridge PD, Hurlock PD, the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police and disabled and retired officers from those agencies are hoping that they can have a lodge like the American Legion’s or VFW’s.

FOP Lodge #27 started fundraising and saving for this project many years ago. In 2017, they purchased nearly 10 acres of land on Dailsville Road, just outside of Cambridge city limits. 

They have their building plans but learned that they did not have enough funds to complete the project. In 2021, they filed for a Maryland State Grant but only received 50% of the funds requested.

They filed again in 2022, but received no further funds. They must use the money that they received within a few years or be forced to return it to the State of Maryland.

They are attempting to raise the money needed before time runs out. The lodge did a small bulk mailing to about a third of the county in 2021 and did very well with donations from citizens, businesses and organizations. The funds raised, however, fell far short of what was needed.

Therefore, the membership of the lodge decided to do a bulk mailing the second week of May to all 20,000 addresses in Dorchester County.

“It is the largest endeavor that the lodge has ever done on its own and the officers are hoping that everyone will find it within their hearts to donate to the project,” a statement from the lodge said.

Lodge President Thomas Hurley, a retired Cambridge police officer with 30 years of service who has been the lodge president for the last 28 years, said the organization is not using a telemarketer to call everyone by phone and take a huge part of the funds raised as payment for their services.

The only costs are for printing, having it put together and then paying the postage. The president also wants everyone to know that this is not a scam, but a true fundraiser, and all donations will stay within Dorchester County and be used toward building the FOP Lodge. 

Lodge Secretary and Detective Sergeant Chris Flynn of Cambridge PD said the lodge will be a great place for officers to have their meetings and other events, house their records and history and have events for other nonprofit organizations.

Lodge Vice President and Deputy Mark Parker of the Dorchester Sheriff’s Office stated that many officers are looking forward to this lodge being built and the sooner the better. Times are really bad for all officers right now and any good news, like this lodge, can raise the spirits of many of the officers and give them a location to lobby for better pay and benefits which is badly needed for all of the officers of Dorchester County, he said.

Lodge President Hurley advised that the bulk mailing will go the Post Office on May 11 and people should be receiving it between May 12 and 14. Mr. Hurley stated that the lodge and its officer members will be grateful for any and all donations. President Hurley advised that large donations will be recognized on plaques within the lodge when it is built. The letter in the mailing will advise the donation amounts for Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond Donors. 

President Hurley advised that you can learn more or contact the lodge via the web page at foplodge27.org, the Facebook page at Cambridge-Dorchester FOP or email fopcambridge27@yahoo.com. The phone number is 410-330-8968.

President Hurley wants to thank everyone who helps the officers of Dorchester County.