St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Mourns the Line-of-Duty Death of Deputy Mark Porter, Retired Sergeant
Leonardtown, MD – With heavy hearts and deep respect, Sheriff Steve Hall and the members of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office announce the tragic line-of-duty death of Deputy Mark Porter, a retired sergeant and beloved member of the law enforcement community. Deputy Porter passed away on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, while actively serving the residents of St. Mary’s County in his role as a contract deputy.
Deputy Porter, who was 60 years old at the time of his passing, was a veteran law enforcement officer whose remarkable career spanned more than 34 years. First joining the Sheriff’s Office in the late 1980s, he rose through the ranks and ultimately retired in 2022 as a sergeant. Not content with stepping away entirely, Porter returned to serve as a contract deputy, continuing his commitment to public safety with quiet dedication until his final moments.
“This is a heartbreaking day for our agency,” said Sheriff Steve Hall. “Deputy Mark Porter was dedicated to others; for him, policing was his life. His legacy is one of quiet strength, faithful service, and unwavering duty. We are devastated by his loss and hold his family, friends, and fellow deputies in our thoughts and prayers.”
A Life of Service
Deputy Porter was widely respected for his professional integrity, unshakable work ethic, and genuine care for the people he served. Throughout his decades of service, he earned the trust of both his colleagues and the broader St. Mary’s County community. Many remember him not only as a skilled law enforcement officer but as a mentor, friend, and example of what it means to serve with honor.
His return to duty following retirement speaks volumes about his character and his lifelong dedication to protecting and supporting others. Deputy Porter embodied the spirit of service long after the typical career timeline, offering his experience and steady presence in a world that greatly needed both.
Circumstances and Review
At this time, Deputy Porter’s death is believed to be medically related. In accordance with Maryland state protocols, the circumstances of his passing will be thoroughly reviewed, as is standard procedure in all line-of-duty deaths. Authorities have stated that no foul play is suspected.
Support services have been made available to all Sheriff’s Office personnel as they process the sudden and profound loss of their colleague.
Honoring His Memory
To honor Deputy Porter’s life and legacy, Maryland state flags at all Sheriff’s Office facilities have been lowered to half-staff. The agency is also preparing a public memorial in his honor, and the community is invited to pay tribute.
For those wishing to express condolences or share memories, a memorial tribute space will be set up in the lobby of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters, located at 23150 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, MD.
Details regarding funeral and memorial services will be released as they are finalized in coordination with Deputy Porter’s family. The Sheriff’s Office has asked for the public’s patience and respect for the family during this difficult time.
A Lasting Legacy
Deputy Mark Porter’s death leaves a significant void within the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and the community he so faithfully served. His legacy will endure through the countless lives he impacted, the colleagues he mentored, and the reputation for integrity and professionalism he upheld throughout his career.
As the Sheriff’s Office and the broader community prepare to lay a faithful public servant to rest, the memory of Deputy Porter’s devotion to duty will remain a guiding light for those who continue the work he loved.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest sympathies to the Porter family and thanks the public for their support during this period of mourning.