Baltimore County Detective Dies While On Duty On New Year's Eve

TOWSON, MD — Funeral preparations are being made for a Baltimore County Police detective, who authorities said died suddenly while on duty on New Year's Eve.

Detective Paul Hoke, 49, of the Homicide/Missing Persons Unit, died Friday afternoon at an area hospital, surrounded by family and friends, after experiencing a medical emergency, a department news release said.

Around 7:30 p.m. on New Year's Eve, Hoke was working the desk at Precinct 6 - Towson when he collapsed while working voluntary overtime and was rushed to the hospital, FOX Baltimore reported.

Hoke joined the department in December 1995 and served the communities of Baltimore County for just over 30 years, the news release said.

“We are forever grateful to the Hoke family for sharing Paul with us, for the sacrifices they made, and for their unwavering support,” said Chief Robert McCullough in a statement. “His years of dedicated service and commitment to public safety reflect the character and work ethic that continue to distinguish the Baltimore County Police Department and its members among the best in the nation.”

Funeral arrangements will be released when available and in coordination with the family, officials said. No details were available as of Sunday afternoon.