Young Marines, Sheriff’s Office Working Together

Capt. Daniel Alioto, unit Adjutant Leigh Willis, and her son Young Marines Sgt. Jake Willis meet with Cpl.  Angela Delozier
and Cpl. Peggy Smolarsky to discuss future ways for the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and the Young Marines to partner.

Two organizations that actively work to improve the lives of young people and reduce crime in the county have come together to form a partnership, doubling their efforts to create better lives for teens in St. Mary’s County. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and the Southern Maryland Young Marines unit have found a way to combine their efforts.

What, at first, seemed like a one-time event turned into a partnership. The Southern Maryland Young Marines unit had been selected for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Enrique “KiKi” Camarena Division Award, and as members of the unit accepted the honor, a conversation started. Deputies from the sheriff’s office came to a meeting of Young Marines on July 16, 2016, and had an open and honest exchange, during which the deputies and the young people shared their concerns about recent events in law enforcements. The deputies shared their thoughts on mutual respect between citizens and law enforcement officers, the nature of leadership and the characteristics of leaders. Then the Young Marines told the deputies about their own efforts to reduce drug use, and the idea of a partnership was born.

The mission of the Young Marines is to impact the future of the country by providing quality youth development programs for boys and girls. The programs aim to nurture and help members develop into responsible citizens who both live and promote a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.

“When we learned the Young Marines wanted to get involved, we immediately recognized the benefit of bringing this group of young men and women into sheriff’s office initiatives to help us change the culture surrounding drug misuse and abuse in St. Mary’s County,” said sheriff’s Capt. Daniel Alioto. “We can police, we can educate, but you start to see the fruits of your labor when community groups such as the Young Marines get involved. We are both working toward the same goal in the community. Why not bring the two together and extend our resources?”

After that first meeting, deputies came up with ideas about how to connect with the Young Marines. Cpl. Peggy Smolarskly, Leonardtown community policing deputy, offered the idea of involving the Young Marines in community policing events, specifically in downtown Leonardtown.

Young Marines also will also act as Camp DARE counselors, under the leadership of Cpl. Angela Delozier. The Young Marines already have experience in working to reduce drug use, and that experience will be valuable to the Camp DARE program. As counselors, they will play a vital role in helping to coordinate Camp DARE. The Young Marines will benefit by enhancing their leadership skills and serving as youth leaders.

During October’s Red Ribbon Week, an alcohol, tobacco, and violence prevention awareness campaign, the sheriff’s office and the Young Marines will co-host “Chasing the Dragon,” an FBI documentary that aims to combat the surge in heroin addiction through increased awareness and features interviews with survivors of substance abuse and family members of those suffering from addiction.

On Aug. 4, Southern Maryland Young Marines unit Adjutant Leigh Willis, and her son, Young Marine Sgt. Jake Willis, met with sheriff’s office deputies to discuss these and other ideas.

“We are excited to partner with this bright group of young men and leaders in our community. We have formed a mutually beneficial partnership with will serve the community and the youth in St. Mary’s County for years to come,” Sheriff Tim Cameron said.

Rob Willis, unit commander of Southern Maryland Young Marines, agreed.

“As a National Youth Organization, we are committed to creating the next generation of leaders and engaged citizens,” Mr. Willis said. “The Southern Maryland Young Marines are excited about our partnership with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office as we seek to impact young men and women in communities across Southern Maryland in a positive way.”

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