PGPD Honors Veterans
Monday, Chief Magaw honored five such men, all of whom served with distinction in the Vietnam War.
Corporal Willard Knight, who is currently assigned to our Special Operations Division in the Traffic Enforcement Division, served in Vietnam from 1968-1970. He continued his career in the U.S. Marine Corp until he retired in 1993, the same year he joined the PGPD.
Sergeant Major Gregory Walters, who is currently assigned to our Technology Integration Services unit, served in Vietnam from 1966-1967. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Marine Corp in 1969, when he joined the PGPD. Sergeant Major Walters is the longest serving member of the PGPD in the department’s history.
Mr. George Higgins, who retired from the PGPD, and then returned to work as a civilian, is currently assigned to our Special Operations Division. He served in Vietnam from 1965-1966. After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force, he joined the PGPD in 1968.
1st Sergeant Hank Anderson, who is currently assigned to our Professional Compliance Division, served in Vietnam from 1969-1970. After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, he joined the PGPD in 1972.
Corporal Joseph Neal, Sr., who is currently assigned to our Records Division, served in Vietnam during the late 1960’s. After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Marine Corp, he joined the PGPD in 1980.
We, the members of the Prince George’s County Police Department, want to express our appreciation to our veteran officers, their families, and all who have served our country.
Monday, November 10, 2014
PGPD Remembers Fallen Officer Kilonzo Masembwa
Let us pause to remember our fallen hero Officer Kilonzo M. Masembwa, lost this day in 2000 while responding to a breaking and entering.
Officer Masembwa was born on December 4, 1974, in Washington, D.C. He attended St. Jerome’s Elementary School and Archbishop John Carroll High School. He then attended Bowie State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in communications in 1995. He joined the Prince George’s County Police Department in December 1999 as a member of Session 93. Upon completion of his academy training in June 2000, Officer Masembwa was assigned to District I.
On the morning of November 10, 2000, Officer Masembwa was dispatched to a possible breaking and entering in progress at Langley Park – McCormick Elementary School. As he drove to the scene, he lost control of his cruiser on the wet pavement on New Hampshire Avenue in Takoma Park. The cruiser left the roadway and struck a utility pole. He died of his injuries.
Officer Masembwa served the Prince George’s County Police Department for one year and was the 22nd member of this agency to make the ultimate sacrifice. He was the 39th law enforcement officer to give his life in the line of duty within Prince George’s County.
At the time of his death, Officer Masembwa was 26 years old and survived by his parents.
Corporal Joseph Neal, Sr., who is currently assigned to our Records Division, served in Vietnam during the late 1960’s. After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Marine Corp, he joined the PGPD in 1980.
