By Richard Caines

SALISBURY — Two years ago, the Eastern Shore of Maryland lost a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice as a member of the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office.

On the anniversary of Cpl. Glenn R. Hilliard’s death in the line of duty, family members, brothers in blue, elected officials and community members gathered at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #111 in Salisbury to remember his life.

“I appreciate the support everyone has given the Hilliard family in the last 24 months,” Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis said. “Everybody knows that our first responders are critically important, more today than ever before.”

During the June 12 ceremony, Wicomico County State’s Attorney Jamie Dykes noted that many are still healing from the 2022 incident in which Hilliard was killed while attempting to arrest a man wanted on multiple felony warrants.

“We will always remember Glenn, his sacrifice, his family and his family’s sacrifice,” Dykes said. “The blessing is that none of us travels this road alone. For every person who has been impacted by Glenn’s life, we have each other, and you also have your families.”

Dykes told the law enforcement officers and first responders to remember their “why” as they continue their service to the community, just as Hilliard did.

“Our community, our neighbors and our families are stronger and safer because of you,” Dykes said.

Hilliard’s widow, Tashica, spoke during the ceremony, saying although the anniversary of his death is very hard for her family, she is grateful for the community support.

“I wouldn’t be able to stand here today without the continued support,” Hilliard said. “I thought it was important for us all to gather. I don’t want to be here for the reasons I am here obviously.

“But you all have given your time and sacrifice to be here today to stand with us in support, and I want today to be about honoring you all and the love and the support that you’ve shown and continue to show us.”

Hilliard said her husband’s death had far-reaching effects not only on her family but also on his coworkers and the community.

“We lost our husband, father, son and brother but Glenn spent the majority of his time with his brothers in blue,” Hilliard said. “He spent his waking hours with you guys. You’re his family just as much as I am, and I want everyone to remember that you suffer every day as we do, and you still put on your uniform, and you go in and you make sure the community is safe. And you make sure the job gets done.”

Sheriff Lewis told the Salisbury Independent after the ceremony that Hilliard was not just an incredible deputy, but one of his “rock stars.” He said Hilliard was his primary drone operator and could disassemble and reassemble electronic devices in the blink of an eye.

Lewis said Hilliard was also very active in his church. Just before his death, he taught his son Trenton to run some of the same programs he managed.

“And Trenton that Sunday morning, had just run that on his own,” Lewis said. “They were celebrating how well he did that day after church and later that evening, Glenn was shot and killed.

“We adored and loved him.”

Hillard asked community members in attendance to thank law enforcement and first responders every day, not just in May during National Police Week or on June 12.

“I just want everyone to understand that this is not about the Hilliard’s,” Hilliard said. “This is about everyone. This is a celebration.

“We are celebrating the sacrifice that you guys make every day, and that Glenn paid the ultimate sacrifice for.”

The Sheriff’s Office and the Hilliard Family thanked the FOP Lodge 111, Operation We Care, The Deli at Pecan Square and DJ Mark Shores for their assistance in making the event happen.

Reach Managing Editor Richard Caines at rcaines@iniusa.org.