One of Bowie's Finest Named ‘Officer of the Year’

Bowie Police Officer First Class Eugene White was recently named Officer of the Year by the Police Chiefs’ Association of Prince George’s County for his professional achievements.

White has been a member of Bowie's police force since December of 2007. 

Sgt. Robert Stevenson, who wrote White's award recommendation, gives these accounts of White's accomplishments in 2012:

White's quick thinking and actions are credited for the apprehension of a man charged with robbing the M&T Bank in Bowie on March 14, 2012. After the suspect fled the scene, White canvassed the area. When he found a vehicle matching the suspect description he follow it until additional officers arrived. The driver was positively identified by the bank tellers and charged with the robbery.

White also successfully calmed a suicidal person threatening to commit suicide on the Route 50 overpass in Bowie.

White and a Maryland State Trooper, “climbed onto the top of the overpass fence canopy, approximately 50’ feet off of the ground, with the intent of establishing communication to help this individual—without regard for their own personal safety.”

In a third incident, White was the first officer to arrive on the scene of a suicide attempt at a Bowie residence. White found a man standing in a tool shed with a gun under his chin, claiming repeatedly that he wanted to die, according to Nesky. Over the course of several minutes, White was able to convince the man to put the gun down.

“PFC White, again, put the needs of a citizen ahead of his own safety with the sole purpose of attempting to preserve a life,” wrote Stevenson in White’s nomination form.

Bowie Police Chief John Nesky said 2012 was a pretty good year for White, who distinguished himself by saving two lives and apprehending a bank robbery suspect. 

"Some officers go an entire career without those things, let alone to have them happen in one year," Nesky said.