Sheriff’s Office Honors Somerville

Maryland’s first sheriff’s office recently honored Maryland’s first African-American sheriff. On Feb. 22, 2018, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office honored former sheriff Joseph Lee Somerville Sr., the first African-American to be elected sheriff in the state.

The event, held at the Elks Lodge, in California, Md., included presentations by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Fraternal Order of Police, and St. Mary’s County Historical Society. Then, a special presentation was made by Special Agent in Charge Gordon Johnson, from the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Baltimore Division. Co-hosting the event was the United Committee for Afro-American Contributions, the NAACP, and St. Mary’s County Sheriff Tim Cameron. The keynote speaker was Charles County Sheriff Troy Berry.

Sheriff Somerville started his career as a deputy sheriff in the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office in 1966. By 1976, he had risen to the rank of lieutenant. In March 1977, Sheriff Somerville was appointed sheriff to finish out the term of Sheriff George Sanger, who died during his term. When Sheriff Somerville was appointed, there were five African-Americans holding the position of sheriff in the US. The sheriff finished out the remainder of the term, and in 1978 launched a vigorous election campaign, focusing on leadership, experience, and integrity. Sheriff Somerville was was elected sheriff of St. Mary’s County.

Sheriff Somerville continues to serve the community and works as a bailiff for Judge Karen H. Abrams of the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court. Sheriff Somerville is proud to serve the citizens of St. Mary’s County, and has two sons who follow in his footsteps; son Kevin retired from the sheriff’s office after serving for 25 years, and son Joseph is proudly carrying on his father’s legacy with more than 22 years of service so far with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office.

For more information and history about the oldest, continuously operating sheriff’s office in the US, the “America’s First” history book is available for purchase. A hardback copy is $95, and the softbound copy is $35. Either can be purchased at the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office at 23150 Leonard Hall Drive in Leonardtown.

To learn more about Lexington Park, visit the St. Mary’s County Community Development Corporation’s Leader member page.

St. Mary’s County Community Development Corporation

46940 South Shangri-La Drive, Suite 7

Lexington Park, MD 20653

301-863-7700