In the summer of 1996, Rick joined the United States Marine Corps where he proudly served his country for six years before being honorably discharged in 2002. Shortly after his time spent in the military, Rick was ready to pursue his true passion in the field of Law Enforcement alongside the Maryland Department of State Police.
In May of 2010, Rick was appointed by his Bureau Chief to lead teams of specialized operational portfolios. Job responsibilities with the Maryland State Police encompassed planning, managing, monitoring, training, and developing 22 S.W.A.T. operators, three Tactical Medicine providers, and 15 Emergency Services platoons comprised of 350 commissioned, non-commissioned officers and troopers while ensuring that organizational standards were met and achieved. In the summer of 2013, Rick explored additional leadership roles with the Maryland State Police Special Operations Division. During this time, Rick managed the performance of a K-9 Unit training Cadre and K-9 handlers through coordination and reactive support of operational officers. Through managing threats of risk regarding counter-terrorism via K9 patrol, Rick acquired a taste of the Sports & Entertainment industry in Baltimore, MD. During this time, Rick had the opportunity to work alongside leadership at the National Football League, Major League Baseball, the National Collegiate Athletic Association, and the Preakness Stakes.
From 2017 until his retirement in 2022 Rick commanded the Special Tactical Assault Team Element. Rick proudly served as the most senior operational response officer assigned to Special Operations for the Maryland State Police. Rick’s teams supported 142 agencies that served 6.2 million citizens. Rick prides himself in being able to lead, develop and motivate diverse teams through creating strong engagement while holding individuals accountable for their performance and job responsibilities.
While working alongside the Maryland State Police within Special Operations Command, Rick had the opportunity to develop, review and coordinate security plans in order to achieve the Incident Commander’s Strategy for preplanned events including Grand Prix, Army-Navy Football Games, Star-Spangled Spectacular, Baltimore Marathon, Navy’s “Fleet Week”, Naval Academy Graduations, Presidential and Vice-Presidential visits, Baltimore Ravens and Baltimore Orioles games, and University of Maryland Athletics events.
During his 22-year career, Rick received over 30 awards and commendations with the Maryland State Police. These awards include Ribbon of Valor, the Governor’s Citation, Superintendents Citation and Commendations; Baltimore Sun Police Officer of the Year; and the International Association of Chiefs of Police “40 under 40” award recognizing 40 law enforcement professionals from around the world that demonstrate leadership and exemplify the commitment to their profession.
