LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHERS AWARD WINNING PHOTO RESURFACES AT HEACOOK FEST THANKS TO LOCAL LEADERSHIP

Delmar, MD - In the heart of Delmar, Maryland, the Heacook Fest, a memorial event honoring Delmar Police Cpl Keith Heacook, brought communities together this past Friday Night at Kylan Barn. The untimely and tragic loss of Cpl Keith Heacook in Delmar, Delaware, still echoes in the hearts of the community, and this festival brings that same community together in his honor.

Amidst the event's solemnity, a poignant reminder of Cpl Heacook's service emerged. A forgotten photograph, captured by local Delmar Photographer Russell Taylor during Cpl Heacook's funeral, had resurfaced. 

The image depicting a Salisbury City Police Officer standing watch over Cpl Heacook's casket had once won the "People's Choice Award" at the Ward Museum Photo Contest in the year of Cpl Heacook's death.

The Ward Museum has since shut its doors and is waiting for its final fate. It once stood proud, adorned with artifacts from the shore, and now stands waiting for the touch of time to usher in the new.

During a visit to the vacant Ward Museum, Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano discovered the long-forgotten image titled 'Casket Watch' and felt deeply moved to preserve the emotional moment. The decision was made to return the photograph to the Town of Delmar, a symbol of Cpl Heacook's service and undying legacy.

At the Heacook Fest, County Executive Julie Giordano, with assistance from Wicomico County Director of Administration Bunky Luffman and FOP President Scott Hamilton, presented the framed image to Town of Delmar Commissioner Cory Shaffer and the Town of Delmar. 

FOP lodge president Scott Hamilton addressed the crowd, emphasizing the duty of performing casket watch for fallen heroes. This revered practice, often known as Guard of Honor or Last Watch, symbolizes an unbroken vigil over fallen comrades from law enforcement fraternities, reflecting the strength of their bond and the dignity of their service. 

With Casket Watch, law enforcement officers ensure that our heroes are never alone, even in their final journey. This deeply respected tradition of standing by your brethren highlights the essence of the unwavering spirit in law enforcement agencies. 

Waking up on Saturday morning and seeing the plethora of social media posts about the incident involving the photo, "Casket Watch" is another reminder of strong local leadership and our community joined for the right cause.  

Authentic leadership is not just about speeches at council meetings or appearances on news outlets.  It's about action, which Giordano, Luffman, and Hamilton exemplify for Wicomico County. 

The presentation of 'Casket Watch' was a testament to this very idea, a demonstration of leadership in action, and a tribute to a hero who will forever be remembered.

Photo Credit: Russell Taylor