Gov. Robert Ehrlich announced Friday that crime enforcement in the Route 40 corridor of Harford County would be bolstered by the addition of 10 Maryland state troopers.
With the closed Giant Food store in the Edgewater Village Shopping Center as a backdrop, Ehrlich announced the added law enforcement presence in Edgewood to cheers and applause from community members who had gathered.
“Outstanding!” shouted Edgewood Community Council Member Sam Gibson in response to Ehrlich?s promise.
State police Superintendent Col. Thomas E. Hutchins said the troopers would conduct traffic enforcement, drug interdiction and fugitive apprehension, while working side by sidewith Harford County sheriff?s deputies. This has become necessary because of increased crime, fueled at least partly by gang activity, authorities said.
“It?ll definitely make a difference for the people in this community,” said Michelle Guess. Her husband, taxi driver Derald Guess, was robbed and slain two years ago in what investigators determined was a gang initiation rite. His death led the Sheriff?s Office to start a gang suppression unit.
His widow expressed gratitude Friday toward Ehrlich, who she said contacted her after her husband?s death and gave her his personal phone if she needed help.
But not all gathered for Ehrlich?s announcement were there to cheer for an incumbent seeking re-election.
“Edgewood is not a photo op,” said resident James Cosgrove.
Cosgrove and Hanson Road resident Wendy Sawyer expressed disgust with Ehrlich while a state trooper used crime scene tape to rope off a perimeter surrounding the area where Ehrlich was to make his announcement.
“This is symbolic,” Sawyer said, pointing to how dozens of police officers ? both state troopers and sheriff?s deputies ? were on one side of the tape, and members of the community were on the other.
“I think this is just another case of the governor?s detachment from the community. We?re the ones that need protecting,” Cosgrove said.
As Ehrlich made his announcement, Cosgrove and Sawyer, along with a few others, unzipped their coats to reveal T-shirts supporting Martin O?Malley for governor.
