Former Officer Joan Kramer Dies, City Lowers Flag To Honor Her

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Former Laurel police officer Joan D. "Joani" Kramer has passed away, city officials shared. Mayor Craig A. Moe spoke out about her death and shared that Kramer began her law enforcement career by performing undercover narcotic work for the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office in Florida. After returning to Maryland, Kramer worked at the Hecht Company store in Laurel as a store detective from 1970 to 1972 then joined the University of Maryland Police Department in College Park from 1972-1974.

Kramer was hired by the Laurel Police Department in 1974 where she served the community until December 1983.

"Joani quickly earned the respect of her fellow officers, demonstrating her ability to properly and correctly respond to all police calls for service from stolen property to public disturbances. When the Laurel Police Department started its motorcycle division, Joani was the one of the first three officers assigned to the division and was the first woman to serve in the motorcycle division," Moe said.

Kramer was a member and served the University of Maryland Fraternal Order of Police; in Laurel she was also a member of the Laurel Fraternal Order of Police. She was a member of the American Federation of Police, vice president, and acting president on the board of directors of Adelphi Terrace Condominium where she resided.

The city flag has been lowered to half-staff in honor of Kramer through Feb. 15.