Annapolis Police Officer Dies, Will Be Remembered For Community Involvement: Officials

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The Annapolis Police Department on Thursday announced the death of one of its officers, Lt. Brian Della. The 28-year agency veteran will be remembered for his work with the community.

Della started a fishing camp for Annapolis children in 2001. The camp is still running, and it has served hundreds of kids.

The officer would frequently hand out his freshest catches, both fish and deer, to neighbors on Clay Street. He was also known to mentor town children and join games of pick-up football.

Della earned a bachelor's degree from Frostburg State University and a master's from Johns Hopkins University, both in science. He went on to graduate from the FBI National Academy, teach as an adjunct professor at Anne Arundel Community College and publish many professional articles.

The officer served in nearly every division of the department since he joined in 1993. He was promoted to officer first class in 1996. Della then became a corporal in 1999, a sergeant in 2001 and a lieutenant in 2005.

The outdoorsman is survived by his wife Courtney, three adult children and multiple granddaughters.

“This department is grieving from his loss,” Annapolis Police Chief Edward Jackson said in an obituary. “It is a tragic loss for the Annapolis Police, but it is especially painful for Courtney and his children. Please hold them close in your hearts, pray for them as they grieve and support them through this most difficult time. I am sorry for their loss and sorry for the loss to this department. Lt. Della was an outstanding police officer.”

Broadneck Evangelical Presbyterian Church, located at 235 Bay Dale Drive in Arnold, will host a visitation on Friday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. The funeral will be at the same church Saturday at 10:30 a.m.

The family asked for donations to the church instead of flowers. Residents can donate at broadneckep.ccbchurch.com/goto/giving.

Locals can send messages to the family by mailing to:

• Annapolis Police Department, Attn. Della Family, 199 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401

Photos of Della are posted at this link.

Officials did not list Della's age or cause of death.

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