MEDIA ADVISORY

Mayor: Jennifer P. Dougherty

CONTACT: Nancy Gregg Poss, Public Information Officer, 301-360-3842

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, September 8, 2003

CITY OF FREDERICK MOURNS LOSS OF SERGEANT WILLIAM ALLEN YINGLING, JR.

Frederick, Md. --- City of Frederick Mayor Jennifer P. Dougherty, the Board of Aldermen, and Police Chief Kim Dine, are saddened to announce the passing of Sergeant William Allen Yingling, Jr. Sergeant Yingling passed away early this morning.

Born on November 25, 1968, Sergeant Yingling began his career as a police officer in June of 1992, attending the 36th Frederick Police Academy. Upon graduation he was assigned to the Patrol Division, where he served as an officer until his promotion to Corporal on March 25, 1996.

He then transferred to the Frederick County Narcotics Task Force, where he served until November of that year. After leaving the Task Force, he was assigned as an Assistant Patrol Shift Supervisor, where he had the opportunity to serve for the next 3 years. On September 5, 1999, He received a promotion to the rank of Sergeant, and became the supervisor of Patrol Shift "G". He served in that capacity until his transfer to the Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) in 2000. He supervised the DEU until December 2002, when he was made supervisor of the Directed Patrol Unit (DPU), a specialized problem-solving unit of the department.

During his tenure with the department, Sergeant Yingling earned three Unit Citations for outstanding work with both the Drug Enforcement Unit and Directed Patrol Unit. He also received the department's Education Achievement Award, as well as many letters of appreciation. He was a member of the National Association of Professional Accident Reconstructionists, and was a certified Intoximeter Operator and a department Field Training Officer. He was also an accomplished singer, and performed the National Anthem at formal department ceremonies.

"Allen was dedicated to his family and his service to the community as a police officer. His loss will be felt by all of those encountered him as a co-worker or a friend," stated Mayor Dougherty. "Sergeant Yingling's singing of the National Anthem at several police ceremonies in the last year will be cherished memories. My deepest sympathy to his wife, his family and members of the police department with whom he served."

Police Chief Kim Dine reiterated Mayor Dougherty's comments stating, "Sergeant Yingling's outstanding service to the Frederick Police Department and the citizens of Frederick will always be remembered and the hearts of all members of the police department go out to the family."

Sgt. Yingling's family will receive friends from 2-4pm and 6-9pm on Tuesday Sept. 9 at Kenney and Basford Funeral Home, 106 East Church St. Funeral services will be held at 11am, Wednesday Sept. 10 at Thurmont United Methodist Church, 12880 Long Road, Thurmont.

The City respectfully requests the media to respect the family's right for privacy during this time of mourning.

For further information please contact Nancy Gregg Poss, Public Information Officer, 301-360-3842.