ORIGINAL January 21, 2023
On January 21, 2002, family and friends said goodbye to Baltimore County Police Sergeant Mark Parry, who died in the line of duty. In honor of the sacrifice made by Sgt. Parry, members of the Baltimore County Police Department are wearing a memorial ribbon bar on their uniform or a mourning band on their badge.
On December 27, 2001, Sgt. Mark Parry was scheduled to be off but willingly volunteered to work, knowing there was a need. While on patrol along Joppa Road, that evening in Towson, a drunk driver struck the unmarked police vehicle Sgt. Parry was driving. The person who was under the influence did not render aid or remain at the scene. While the driver was eventually arrested, charged, sentenced and deported, the lives of those closest to Sgt. Parry forever changed that fateful night. At the time of his death, Sgt. Parry was happily married with three children. Sgt. Parry died on January 21, 2002. Sgt. Parry's name is among those of other fallen heroes inscribed on a monument located at Patriot Plaza in Towson.