German Law Enforcement Officers Association of Maryland
Est. 2012
501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Our Story
Founded in Baltimore, 2012
The German Law Enforcement Officers Association of Maryland was established in 2012 by a group of dedicated officers in Baltimore united by pride in their German-American heritage and a desire to preserve that culture within the policing community.
From those founding days, GLEMD has grown into a statewide fraternal organization — celebrating German traditions through events, building comradery among officers, and giving back to the communities we serve across Maryland.
We are proud to hold federal 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, reflecting our commitment to charitable service and community enrichment throughout the state.
Maryland Organizational License Plates
All GLEMD members are eligible for Maryland Organizational License Plates — a proud way to display your membership and heritage every day on the road.
Open to All
GLEMD welcomes active officers, retirees, and civilian associates who share an appreciation for German-American heritage and the values of our profession. Ancestry is not required — pride is.
Registered 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Donations to GLEMD may be tax-deductible. Our nonprofit status reflects our commitment to charitable service within the law enforcement community and throughout Maryland.
DEUTSCH
"Pflicht, Stolz, und Dienst — Duty, Pride, and Service. These are the values carried by German-Americans across generations, and the values that define who we are as law enforcement officers and stewards of our community."
— The German Law Enforcement Officers Association of Maryland
Our Roots
German-American Heritage
A Rich Legacy in Law Enforcement
German-Americans have shaped Maryland law enforcement for generations. From the immigrant communities that built Baltimore to the officers serving today, that heritage runs deep in the fabric of Maryland policing.
Baltimore's German Roots
Baltimore was once home to one of the largest German-American communities on the East Coast. From the neighborhoods of East Baltimore to thriving cultural societies, that legacy remains a proud part of our city's identity and history.
Culture Through Service
GLEMD believes cultural pride and professional excellence go hand in hand. By honoring our heritage, we become stronger officers, closer comrades, and more connected members of the communities we protect.
German Influence on American Policing
Many of the organizational principles that define American law enforcement trace roots to German immigrant communities. Officers of German descent helped shape the profession from its earliest days in cities like Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Milwaukee — a legacy that continues to influence how we serve today.
Our Purpose
Built on Six Pillars
GLEMD is guided by values rooted in both the law enforcement profession and the enduring spirit of German-American culture — each pillar a promise to our members and our community.
01
Heritage
Kultur & Tradition
Honoring the German-American traditions that have shaped our culture, our profession, and the communities we serve — keeping that legacy alive for future generations.
02
Dedication
Hingabe
An unwavering commitment to the law enforcement profession — to the oath we took, the standards we uphold, and the communities that depend on us every day.
03
Comradery
Kameradschaft
Building lasting bonds of fellowship among like-minded officers who share both a calling to serve and a pride in their heritage — a brotherhood and sisterhood forged through shared experience.
04
Service
Dienst
The daily commitment to protecting and serving our communities with professionalism and honor — not just as a duty, but as a calling that defines who we are.
05
Charity
Wohltätigkeit
Going beyond the badge to give back — through charitable programs, community events, and meaningful support that makes Maryland a better place for the people we protect.
06
Integrity
Treue & Ehre
Holding ourselves to the highest standard of moral character — in and out of uniform. Honesty, accountability, and honor are not just professional expectations; they are personal ones.
Join Us
Membership Open to All
The question we hear most often is: "How much German heritage is required?" Our answer is simple — enough to be proud of it.
Whether you wear a badge today, carried one for decades, or simply share our values and appreciation for German-American culture — there is a place for you in GLEMD.
All that's truly required is a genuine appreciation for our heritage and the values this organization upholds.
Membership Dues
$35/ year
|
$90/ three years— save $15
All membership tiers · Dues support our events and charitable programs
For sworn officers currently serving in any law enforcement capacity — local, state, or federal. Full voting rights, access to all GLEMD events and programs, and Maryland Organizational Plate eligibility.
Retired Law Enforcement
Direct
For those who answered the call and served with honor. Retired officers carry the same full membership rights — voting privileges, access to all events and programs, and organizational plate eligibility.
Associate Member
Sponsored
For those outside law enforcement who share our values and pride in German-American heritage. Associate members are sponsored by a current law enforcement member in good standing, with access to all events, programs, and plate eligibility.
Maryland Organizational License Plates
All GLEMD members may apply for Maryland Organizational License Plates — carry your pride for the organization and your heritage wherever the road takes you.
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Get In Touch
Contact GLEMD
Whether you're ready to join, have questions about our events, or want to support our charitable mission — we'd love to hear from you.
GLEMD is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your contribution supports our events, heritage programs, and charitable initiatives throughout Maryland. All donations may be tax-deductible.
