WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) released the following statement on the announced resignation of Howard County Sheriff James F. Fitzgerald. Senator Cardin wrote to Sheriff Fitzgerald earlier this month asking him “to prioritize the needs of the residents of the county” and step down from his elected position. The letter can be found here.

“Sheriff Fitzgerald has done the right thing for Howard County by agreeing to resign his post. Howard County’s officers deserve a safe and respectful workplace, and residents deserve to feel confidence in all levels of their law enforcement. Sheriff Fitzgerald’s disparaging behavior had justifiably eroded that essential trust. I’m grateful that there will now be a fresh start and a new opportunity for leadership in the Howard County Sheriff’s office to demonstrate the integrity and respect that we expect from our law enforcement.”

# # #