WASHINGTON COUNTY DEPUTY ‘LAW OFFICER OF YEAR’

         THURMONT, Md. (Aug. 19, 2006) -- Washington County (Md.) Deputy Sheriff Benjamin Jones was recently honored as Maryland Law Officer of the Year for his actions in capturing an escaped prisoner, who was sought for the fatal shooting of Maryland Corrections Officer Jeffrey Alan Wroten in January.

         The award, sponsored by the Grande Voiture de Maryland, La Societe de 40 Hommes et 8 Chevaux, was presented during the 85th Grande Promenade and installation of officers held at Edwin C. Creeger Jr. American Legion Post 168, Thurmont, Md., August 4.

         The organization was founded in 1921 by American Legionnaires and is named for the French Box Cars, which transported American Soldiers to the front in World War I. The box cars were designed to carry either 40 men or eight horses. There are 10 units, called ‘Voitures Locale’  in Maryland.

         Washington County Sheriff’s Office Major Randy Wilkinson nominated Deputy Jones for his courageous actions in capturing the fugitive in a dangerous early morning confrontation. Major Wilkinson escorted Deputy Jones to the dais to receive the award presented by Earl E. Benner, Grande du Maryland committee chairman.

         Officer Wroten had been guarding Roxbury Correctional Institution inmate Brandon Morris while he underwent medical treatment at Washington County Hospital about 5:15 a.m., January 26.

         Police reported that Morris managed to escape his shackles and wrest the Service Weapon from Officer Wroten, who was fatally wounded.

         While on patrol, Deputy Jones noticed a vehicle matching the description of a ‘hijacked taxicab’ in which witnesses said the fugitive had escaped the hospital. Deputy Jones reported the sighting and pursued the vehicle, being joined by other state and local police units on U.S. Route 11 toward the Pennsylvania state line.

         Moments later the cab driver daringly crashed the vehicle into a stone wall and the fugitive immediately jumped out displaying his weapon and fled.

         Deputy Jones and several other police officers braved the darkness to pursue the fugitive into an industrial complex near the Hagerstown Airport. Deputy Jones apprehended Morris following a short standoff. The fugitive initially threatened to commit suicide, but was convinced to surrender to Deputy Jones and other officers.

         Morris was serving an eight-year sentence at Roxbury for first degree assault and robbery with a deadly weapon. He is currently incarcerated at the ‘Super Max’ facility, awaiting trial on multiple charges including first degree murder in the death of Officer Wroten.

         Officer Wroten resided in Martinsburg, W. Va., where he is survived by his five children, ages 5-15 years.