As protests in Baltimore grew violent after the funeral of Freddie Gray Monday, more than 20 Howard County police officers were sent to the city to support police operations and additional officers will be deployed Tuesday, according to police.
With fires burning and businesses looted throughout the city, 24 Howard County officers were in Baltimore Monday providing support, according to Lori Boone, public information officer at the Howard County Police Department.
Police Chief Gary Gardner will deploy between 40 and 50 officers each day to Baltimore in two 12-hour shifts of 20 to 25 officers for each. In addition, a police tactical vehicle staffed with two personnel has been sent for 24/7 coverage, according to a county press release.
Fire and Rescue Services Chief John Butler deployed four engines, one ambulance, a special service unit and a command officer over night. All but one engine remain in service Tuesday. Personnel deployed, including volunteer and career staff, totaled 23, according to the release.
All personnel are reported safe, but minor damage to equipment has been reported from rocks and bricks thrown by rioters.
Additional decisions regarding further staffing will be announced will be announced as events warrant. Staffing for all police and fire service in Howard will remain at their customary levels.
The violence in Baltimore has caused the Howard County Public School System to cancel or make alternative arrangements for all school system events in the city this week, including three high school proms.
Marriotts Ridge, Mount Hebron, and River Hill high schools all had proms scheduled to take place in Baltimore this weekend.
Marriotts Ridge's prom, which was originally scheduled to be held at M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday, will now take place at Martin's Westminster; Mount Hebron's prom, originally set for Friday at the Hilton Camden Yards will now be held at the Wyndham Hunt Valley; and River Hill's prom was scheduled to take place at M&T Bank Stadium on Friday, but will now be held at Martin's Valley Mansion in Hunt Valley.
No changes were made to any of the school's post prom parties.
Northfield and Veterans elementary schools had field trips planned to the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra this week. These trips may be rescheduled.
The school system is expected to reevaluate its decision to keep students out of Baltimore for school activities next week.