Thanks to a generous donation in October, all Taneytown Police Department patrol vehicles are now equipped with automated external defibrillator (AED) and Bleeding Control Kits.

Valued at over $20,000, this lifesaving equipment was provided to the department by Mission 10-42 Incorporated in partnership with Rescue One Training for Life Incorporated.

An AED is a medical device designed to analyze the heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock to victims of cardiac arrest. Chances of survival from cardiac arrest diminish each minute without immediate CPR or defibrillation, and after 10 minutes, resuscitation rarely succeeds.

Bleeding control is paramount to survivability in cases of traumatic injuries, and having readily accessible bleeding control equipment is essential when providing emergency casualty care.

Taneytown police officers are frequently the first to respond to medical calls involving cardiac arrest or severe traumatic injuries and city officers are now fully equipped to provide emergency care when minutes are the difference between life and death. More information about Mission 10-42 Inc. can be found at mission1042.org.

Arrest made in fatal pedestrian hit and run

Public assistance aided in the apprehension of alleged fatal hit and run driver in September. On September 17, at approximately 9:39 a.m., Carroll County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, along with the Taneytown Police Department, and Emergency Medical Fire and Rescue crews, were dispatched to the area of Trevanion Road and Otterdale Mill Road for the report of a pedestrian struck by an automobile. Despite all attempts at life-saving care, the victim succumbed to injuries sustained and was pronounced deceased on scene.

The involved suspect vehicle fled the scene of the collision Northbound towards Taneytown.

The vehicle was believed to be a dark burgundy metallic 2019-2021 Chevrolet Traverse. On the evening of September 17, a suspected driver was located and taken into custody as Timothy Carter, 34, of Westminster. Carter was charged with manslaughter, and more charges likely after the conclusion of the investigation and consultation with the State’s Attorney’s Office. Carter is currently being held at the Carroll County Detention Center.

This arrest was made with the assistance of tips from the public, as well as investigative resources from the Maryland State Police and the Taneytown Police Department. "Thank you to everyone who assisted," the department Facebook page read.

As the investigation continued, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office requests anyone with additional information to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 410-386-5900 or email Mprushinski@carrollcountymd.gov or contact the Maryland State Police Westminster Barracks at 410-386-3000.

At public comment during the Oct. 5 meeting, the Taneytown City Council heard from Chris Tillman, owner of George’s on York Bed and Breakfast, presenting concern of speeding and traffic in the city, and seeking more enforcement for pedestrian safety.

Recycling artists and enthusiasts welcome for showcase

Carroll County Department of Land and Resource Management presents its first annual environmental symposium at the Carroll Community College November 12 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Showcasing Carroll County community groups focused on environmental stewardship, everyone is encouraged to learn how to promote and implement practices to sustain the county’s natural resources.

The event will also feature a Recycled Art Contest for high school students where attendees can vote for their favorite artwork utilizing salvaged materials.

Entrants can also enter pieces in the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) Recycled Sculpture Contest to be held on November 18 at Montgomery Park in Baltimore. For more information about MDE’s contest, visit Mayland.gov.

More information can be found at the Carroll County Government website or by contacting Kelly Martin at krmartin@carrollcountymd.gov or 410-386-2566.