THEODORE ROOSEVELT POLICE AWARD PRESENTED TO A MARYLAND STATE TROOPER

(Washington, D.C.) - At the eighth annual Capital Area Theodore Roosevelt Police Award reception, Senior Trooper Eric Workman, a veteran and decorated state trooper of the Maryland State Police, was honored for his exemplary work ethic and inspirational leadership after overcoming life threatening injuries.

In a formal ceremony on the afternoon of Tuesday, December 6, 2011, Senior Trooper Workman was honored for overcoming two life threatening incidents, where he was critically wounded while performing his job duties as a Maryland State Trooper. After recovering from both occurrences, he returned to work to continue to serve the citizens of Maryland. During both instances, Workman was on duty and was transported by Medevac to R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma in Baltimore.

In 1998, while standing next to his patrol car during a traffic stop on I-495, Workman was struck by a vehicle traveling at 50 mph, launching him almost sixty feet in the air. His injuries included a severely broken leg and serious damage to his spleen and lungs. Workman was hospitalized for six weeks, endured at least twelve surgeries and remained on life support for two weeks. Miraculously, Workman returned to duty after eight months and continued to outperform his peers.

In December, 2006 Workman’s determination would again, be put to the test. While working as criminal investigator at the Westminster Barrack, Workman was shot by a kidnapping suspect he and members of a fugitive task force were attempting to arrest in a Baltimore County home. For the second time in his career, Workman was airlifted to Shock Trauma with a life threatening injury.

The gunshot had pierced one of his lungs and a kidney. His spleen was also destroyed. The bullet lodged in his back, about two centimeters from his spine, where it remains to this day. During surgery, doctors removed his spleen and once again, Workman was put on life support. After three months of rehabilitation, Workman returned to duty, executing search warrants for armed robbery and identity theft suspects.

Today, Senior Trooper Eric Workman remains ever vigilant about his call to duty. “Although the job of a police officer can certainly be dangerous, it is the most rewarding career I could have chosen and would do it all over again if ever I had the chance,” says Workman, “I’ve given my oath, my commitment and I will honor it until I can’t.”

Nominations for the Capital Area Theodore Roosevelt Police Award are endorsed by the nominee’s commanding officer and the department chief. Eligibility requirements for the award include full time employment of a federal, state or local law enforcement agency and to have experienced a serious physical handicap, illness or injury.

“Despite nearly losing his life twice, Senior Trooper Workman, without hesitation, returned to his job with enthusiasm and vivacity,” wrote Sergeant Ben Neil, in his nomination of Workman for the award, “His work ethic is exemplary and inspirational.”

Senior Trooper Workman is currently assigned to the Maryland State Police Criminal Investigation Division’s Maryland State Apprehension Team. He continues to perform at a high level, leading his team in warrant closures. For the first half of 2011, Workman has closed 215 warrants.