DFC Mark Logsdon made the ultimate sacrifice when he gave his life in the line of duty on Feb. 10, Gov. Larry Hogan said in remarks at the fallen deputy's funeral Saturday.
“No governor ever wants to give remarks like this on behalf of the people of the state,” Hogan said, sounding choked up at times. “Our entire state grieves the loss of one of its heroes today. I stand here knowing no worlds can ease the hurt or help us understand such heartbreak.”
Logsdon and Sr. Deputy Patrick Dailey, of the Harford County Sheriff's Office, were shot and killed during an encounter with an armed suspect last week at the Panera in Abingdon.
Hogan said the community can ensure Logsdon's memory, and the memory of his sacrifice, lives on, while remaining grateful for a life well-lived.
"He will never be forgotten," Hogan said.
Hogan spoke of Logsdon's many legacies-- that of a loving husband, a father, a soldier, a deputy. Logsdon was also looking forward to the arrival of his first grandchild.
The deputy was was also honored in 2005 for convincing a suicidal person to put down his gun-- exactly 11 years before his line-of-duty death.
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Hogan, who said he did not know Logsdon personally, said he knows "the spirit of Mark Logsdon," a spirit that was evident in the crowd of law enforcement officers who came to pay their respects Saturday.
Serving as a deputy or a police officer is a way of life, Hogan said.
"They are a commitment to serve a higher purpose," he said.
“All of our men and women in blue place themselves in harm’s way every day, just as Mark did just to keep the rest of us safe,” Hogan said.
Despite feelings of disbelief and anger over the tragedy, "all of you will continue to serve our state with the same dedication you have always have," Hogan said.
