Fallen Prince George's Officer to be Honored

Prince George's County Cpl. Thomas P. Jensen, who died last month from injuries sustained in a car crash, will be one of two Maryland public safety service members honored on the upcoming 25th annual Fallen Heroes Day.

Jensen was responding to call on Feb. 27 when his cruiser struck black ice near the intersection of Baltimore Avenue and Greenbelt Road in College Park. He was responding to a call from the fire department, which needed help with a disorderly person who was believed to be on PCP. Jensen, 27, left behind his wife of five months.

Now, he will be honored on Fallen Heroes Day during a ceremony May 7. Fallen Heroes Day salutes police, corrections officers, firefighters, emergency medical and rescue personnel who risk their lives to protect Maryland residents.

Fire Chief Charles "Buck" Clough Jr., of the Sudersville Volunteer Fire Company in Queen Anne's County, will also be recognized. The 41-year-old was killed when he swerved his pickup truck to avoid another car and struck a tree.

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley has ordered flags flown at half-staff at the State House and has declared May 7 Fallen Heroes Day in Maryland.
"It is an opportunity for the community to show its appreciation and respect for these dedicated public servants who risk their lives each day when they report to work," said John O. Mitchell III, chairman of Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens in Timonium, which is hosting the ceremony.

Fewer public safety service members have died in the past year than in any of the past 25 years, a spokeswoman for Fallen Heroes said. The family of Hector Ayala, a Montgomery County police officer killed when his cruiser crashed on his way to a call in Wheaton earlier this month, has requested he be honored next year.

By Freeman Klopott-Washington Examiner