U.S. Marshals Announce the Start of Operation Bless Baltimore

Baltimore, MD – The U.S. Marshals Service and task force partners are initiating a large-scale, community-outreach initiative. "Operation Bless Baltimore" is a 90-day interagency operation established to support the Feds Feed Families (FFF) food drive and local charities via the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC).

The District of Maryland's Silver Shield community oriented policing unit formed this partnership between the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force, Baltimore City Police Department, University of Maryland – Baltimore Police Department, and Maryland State Police.

"The Baltimore Police Department is proud to partner with the U.S. Marshals Service and our state and federal partners in services to our communities through local charities and outreach programs," said Commissioner Michael Harrison. "We know that these efforts will not only support families but will build relationships around service and volunteerism throughout our neighborhoods and community-based organizations."

"The dedicated members of Maryland's law enforcement community show they care for the people we serve in many ways each day," Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Woodrow W. Jones III said. "This new local, state, and federal law enforcement partnership is an important way for us to combine our efforts and help those in need. The Maryland State Police family is honored to join Marshal Hughes and the members of the U.S. Marshals Service in this effort that will positively impact our citizens."

Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott and U.S. Attorney Erek Barron joined the effort by pledging the collective support of their offices. Realizing the potential impact, the U.S. Marshals invited additional federal partners to join in on this endeavor. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigations, U.S. Secret Service, Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations have all joined the initiative.

"This collaboration between the U.S. Marshals and our public safety partners shows just how committed we are to strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and the community across all levels of government," said U.S Marshal Johnny L. Hughes.

Maryland State Police has advised it will be accepting the donation of non-perishable food, new and lightly used clothing, and new toys (in the box) at the following locations:

• Executive Building: 1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208
• Golden Ring Barrack: 8908 Kelso Barrack, Essex, MD 21221

Baltimore City Police Department has advised it will be accepting the donation of non-perishable food, new and lightly used clothing, and new toys (in the box) at the following locations:

• Headquarters: 601 East Fayette Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
• Central District: 501 N. Calvert Street Baltimore, MD 21202
• Eastern District: 1620 Edison Highway, Baltimore, MD 21213
• Western District: 1034 N. Mount Street, Baltimore, MD 21217
• Northern District: 2201 W. Coldspring Lane, Baltimore, MD 21215
• Northeast District: 1900 Argonne Drive, Baltimore, MD 21218
• Northwest District: 5271 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, MD 21215
• Southern District: 10 Cherry Hill Road, Baltimore, MD 21225
• Southeast District: 5710 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224
• Southwest District: 424 Font Hill Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21223
• Public Integrity Bureau: 2524 Kirk Avenue Baltimore, MD 21218

Please contact Deputy U.S. Marshal Albert Maresca Jr. – Silver Shield Coordinator with any questions regarding the operation.