20070612 Colonel Sheridan Promotes New Chief Of Field Operations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 12, 2007

COLONEL SHERIDAN PROMOTES NEW CHIEF OF FIELD OPERATIONS

(Pikesville, MD) – Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Terrence B. Sheridan today announced the appointment and promotion of a new Chief of the Field Operations Bureau.

Major Matthew G. Lawrence, 48, was promoted today to Lieutenant Colonel and appointed Chief of the Field Operations Bureau. Lt. Colonel Lawrence is a 27-year veteran of the State Police and most recently served as the Assistant Chief of the Homeland Security and Investigation Bureau.

“Lt. Colonel Lawrence is an outstanding commander who has expertise in a broad spectrum of assignments within the Maryland State Police,” Colonel Sheridan said.

“He is well-respected by the citizens he has served over the years, by law enforcement officials at the local, state, and federal level, and by his fellow troopers. He is an individual with the highest degree of integrity and commitment, who will continue to serve with great dedication.”

Lt. Colonel Lawrence assumed command today of the largest of the three Maryland State Police bureaus. The Field Operations Bureau encompasses all uniformed patrol troopers, the Transportation Safety Command, the Aviation Command, and the Special Operations Division.

Lt. Colonel Lawrence entered the Maryland State Police Academy in October 1980, and began his career as a patrol trooper at the Waldorf Barracks upon graduation. During his career, he also served at the Westminster and North East Barracks as a patrol trooper, patrol supervisor, and criminal investigator.

He was an assistant commander and section commander in the Internal Affairs Unit, Special Operations Unit, Drug Enforcement Division, Technical Surveillance Unit, and Special Investigation Support Unit.

He also served as the chief of staff to the bureau chief of the former Bureau of Drug and Criminal Enforcement.

Promoted to Captain in 1999, he assumed command of the Internal Affairs Unit.

He was promoted to Major in 2003 and took command of the Criminal Investigation Division. In 2004, he became Assistant Chief of the Homeland Security and Investigation Bureau.

Lt. Colonel Lawrence has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Salisbury University and a Master of Science degree from John Hopkins University.

He is also a graduate of the Federal Executive Institute. He resides in Carroll County with his wife and four children.

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