08/12/2026
La Plata Police Department names Officer of the Quarter for quarters one and two of 2026:
Quarter One:
Patrolman First Class Jacob Bladen was selected as the Department’s Officer of the
Quarter by the patrol supervisors and command staff for 2026’s first quarter. Pfc.
Bladen’s collective efforts during this time assisted in removing a sexual predator from
our community preying on juveniles, removing illicit narcotics from being transported on
our roadways and removed a violent armed individual from harming anyone else. A
brief synopsis of these events are provided below.
On February 25, 2026, officers planned an operation based upon information they
received of a possible meeting between a sexual predator and a juvenile male. Based on
that information, Pfc. Bladen initiated an operation to surveil and apprehend the
suspected offender. A well thought plan was executed, and the suspect was taken into
custody, followed by interviews and investigative search warrants on the offender’s
vehicle and electronic devices. In collaboration with out-of-state law enforcement
agencies, further information was gathered for presentment both locally and in outside
jurisdiction for the charging of the individual.
During the week of March 3, 2026, Pfc. Bladen conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle,
which was operated by a wanted individual. During the investigative portion of the
traffic stop, it was determined the individual was using a false name and had active
warrants. Continuing the investigation, Pfc. Bladen discovered a quantity of crack
co***ne and co***ne on the suspect, as well as over $1000 in currency. This combined
was indicative of possession with the intent to distribute illegal narcotics. The following
evening, Pfc. Bladen assisted with a stabbing investigation which occurred at an area motel. During the search for the offender, Pfc. Bladen and other officers located the
suspect hiding in a residential shed on a citizen’s property.
Quarter Two:
Corporal Brendan Smith was selected as the Department’s Officer of the Quarter by the
supervisors and command staff for 2026’s second quarter. Corporal Smith received multiple
letters of commendation for several incidents that were either relayed to the Office of the
Chief via supervisors or by citizens. A brief synopsis of these events are provided below.
On May 17, 2026, Corporal Smith responded to a death call unknowingly involving a family
member of a Charles County States Attorney's Office employee. During this encounter,
the employee stated that Cpl. Smith remained professional, calm, and collected, while he
assisted the family with the steps moving forward. Corporal Smith’s extra-mile assistance
during this time of need was exactly what this grieving family needed.
Later that month on May 29, 2026, Corporal Smith responded to a call involving a juvenile
female hanging outside a second story window, having a mental health crisis. Upon his
arrival, Corporal Smith quickly sized up the scene and determined that the statements and
behaviors of the juvenile female required immediate action to preserve her life and well-being. Corporal Smith devised a plan to gain a tactical advantage of the situation and swiftly
responded to the second story through the interior of the house and pulled the juvenile
female back into the residence, ending the incident and getting the juvenile the proper
mental health assistance she needed.
On June 8, 2026, Corporal Smith responded to a residence due to a small child being outside
of the residence without any adult supervision. Due to the time of day, the fact the
child’s family members were all asleep, and the child had unknowingly left the residence. Corporal Smith you set out to locate the residence, the child walked out of, and was successful in
reuniting the child with their mother. The mother felt compelled to write a letter to the
police department to recognize the excellent manner Corporal Smith handled the call for service
and the compassion he showed to the family.
