29-year police veteran to run operations unit
A 29-year veteran of the Baltimore County police has been promoted to the rank of colonel in charge of the operation's bureau. He will oversee the patrol and investigative divisions, officials said.
Michael Kelly McCleese, previously a major overseeing the eastern patrol division, was tapped this week by Chief James W. Johnson, who held the position before he was named chief.
McCleese, 50, a lifelong Dundalk resident, will oversee about 1,400 officers as head of the department's largest bureau.
"I'm a firm believer in team work," said McCleese, who joined the department in 1978. "It really takes all of us working together, meaning the police, the citizens and, of course, the leadership in the organization."
Josh Mitchell
Essex, Rosedale
Author of book on Tubman to speak
Award-winning author Carole Boston Weatherford will visit two of the Baltimore County public library branches on Saturday.
Weatherford will share her book Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom with readers at the Rosedale and Essex branches.
The book is based on a narrative written by Tubman and has received awards from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and American Library Association.
Weatherford, a Baltimore native, will be at the Rosedale library at 11 a.m. , 6105 Kenwood Ave., and at Essex at 2 p.m., 1100 Eastern Blvd.
White Marsh
Public Safety Day planned for July 28
Baltimore County's third Public Safety Day -- featuring equipment, displays and demonstrations -- is scheduled for July 28 at White Marsh Mall.
The free event will be held, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the auxiliary parking lot between the mall and Honeygo Boulevard.
Public Safety Day showcases county police, fire and other public safety departments by allowing citizens a close look at equipment and demonstrations, and the chance to talk with public safety personnel.
Public Safety Day will feature hands-on activities for kids; rappelling; equipment displays; police dogs in action; rescues from wrecked cars; Homeland Security apparatus; police helicopters and motorcycles.
Public Safety Day is sponsored by the Police Community Relations Council, the Baltimore County police and fire departments, the Baltimore County Sheriff's Office, the Baltimore County Volunteer Firemen's Association and the Office of Fair Practices and Community Affairs.
Catonsville
Two concerts set for retirees
The Charlestown Retirement Community will host two musical performances during its Community Concert Series.
At 7 p.m. July 24 in Our Lady of the Angels Chapel, Anahid Gregorian will perform on the oboe, along with Rachel Noval on bassoon and Jonathan Moyer on organ. Admission is free; however, an offering will be taken.
At 3 p.m. July 29 in the Conference Center, fiddler Alexander Mitchell is scheduled to perform. Admission is $4.
The community is at 700 Maiden Choice Lane, Catonsville,
Information: 410-737-8838.
Middle River
Luncheon to honor police chief
Baltimore County Police Chief James W. Johnson will be honored at a luncheon July 24.
Johnson, an Essex native, will be welcomed during a membership luncheon with the Essex-Middle River-White Marsh Chamber of Commerce to congratulate him on his recent promotion.
The luncheon will be held at 11:30 a.m. at River Watch Restaurant, 207 Nanticoke Road in Middle River. The event is $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers.
Information:410-687-9081.
Events or news items for the Baltimore County Digest may be submitted to baltco.news@baltsun.com. Information should be sent at least 10 days in advance of the event.