The Local Source for News and Information Since 1980
RIDGELY – The Town of Ridgely honored two local heroes – one a dedicated police K-9 and one a young Cadet in the Civil Air Patrol program – at their Town Commission meeting on Oct. 6.
Sargent Gordon Geesey is a former member of the Ridgely Police Department, having worked with RPD from 2015 to 2023. He said being assigned his K-9 partner, Keita, was “the biggest blessing” of his life. He and Keita got to spend eight productive years together.
Sgt. Geesey said that Keita logged over 100 drug seizures and she was an important part of successful tracking missions, even assisting other agencies when requested. “Keita loved nothing more than to go out and work,” Sgt. Geesey said, “that was our job and she performed it perfectly.” He spoke in front of the Commission and those in attendance about times visiting schools or businesses in Ridgely, late night walks patrolling the streets, and Keita’s time after retirement from the RPD. She was retired in the Fall of 2022 and was able to fully reap the benefits of living with Sgt. Geesey and his family, “she was truly a member of our family,” he said.
In August of this year, Keita suffered a stroke from which recovery was unfortunately not an option. Sgt. Geesey said he and his wife wanted to do something to honor the service of K-9 Keita, so they presented the Commissioners and town employees with a shadowbox filled with photos of Keita and keepsakes such as her collar and a small vile of her ashes. The shadowbox will be displayed in the Town Hall. Rick and Cathy Schwab of the Ridgely Historical Society also had a brick inscribed for Keita for the Ridgely train station, and Town Clerk-Treasurer Stephanie Berkey said that she has ordered a special stone marker that will be placed at the flag pole outside Town Hall once it arrives.
Later in the meeting, Commission President Brad Sears read a proclamation regarding the awarding of the Brigadier General Billy Mitchell Award to a local youth, 14 year-old Lawrence E. Wheeler III. Wheeler is a Cadet in the Civil Air Patrol program, which was formed during World War II as a quasi Air Force training organization for civilians. The award “honors a fearless pilot whose patriotism, foresight and tenacity” are especially commendable. Recipients must pass certain assessments as well as a week-long encampment that “immerses them” in a “STEM environment” and challenges their “core values.” Commissioner Sears noted that only 15% of Cadets in the CAP program receive the award, and the Commission of Ridgely “recognize Cadet Second Lieutenant Lawrence Wheeler for his significant achievement, which reflects great credit upon himself, his family and our historic town.”
