Megan E. Looney, a seasonal police officer with the Ocean City Police Department, was laid to rest Wednesday by represenatives of the three town agencies she was involved with. She was 21.

Looney died last Saturday at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. She had been recovering from an operation for a brain tumor.

Her funeral was attended by members of area law enforcement agencies as well as area fire companies. Police cars and fire engines lined the southbound lane of Coastal Highway, while the equestrian unit stood watch next to the church. Her casket was carried out of the church by the OCPD Casket Detail and was then received by the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Department, composed of fire and public safty / communications personnel. Her casket was then loaded into the ceremonial Fire Engine #8 for transport to Sunset Memorial Park.

Looney had been involved in the public safety of Ocean City for the last six years serving in the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Department, Ocean City Police Department, and Ocean City Communications.

"Her adult life, as brief as it was, was totally dedicated to Ocean City," Ocean City Mayor Jim Mathias said.

Looney started with the fire department six years ago in the cadet program. After three years and completion of the firefighting training course, she was assigned to engine number nine.

In addition to her regular duties, Fire Chief Roger Steger Sr. said Looney was active with the fire prevention programs offered by the department.

"She had a lot left to do," said Steger. "Everyone is going to miss her."

Prior to working for the OCPD, Looney worked for Ocean City Communications as a dispatcher. While working there, Director of Emergency Management Clay Stamp characterized Looney as never backing down from anything and always willing to try new things.

"She was not intimidated by challenge, said Stamp.

After Ocean City Communications, she started with the Ocean City Police Department. She died after just completing her first summer as a seasonal police officer. To further pursue a career in law enforcement, she was a senior at Salisbury State University, majoring in Criminal Justice.

"She's a shining example of what's right today with youth," said Ocean City Police Chief David Massey. "It's very unique for a young person to be so involved in public safety."

Mathias said Looney will be remembered for her dedication to the public safety of the town.

"She will continue to be part of our family," said Mathias. "She'll be with the town forever."
 

After learning more this week of the intelligence, dedication, honor and charisma of 21-year-old Megan Looney, it's understandable why Ocean City is still stunned and heart broken over her passing.

The first-year seasonal police officer, who should just be enjoying the first days of her senior year at Salisbury State University, fell victim to brain cancer last Saturday. Her death has rocked the resort. Both Ocean City and Maryland flags flew at half-staff last weekend and early this week. For Megan's death was not only of local significance, but also statewide, as she was born in Annapolis before moving to the area when she was just three years old.

Though it was her first year as a seasonal police officer, Megan was no stranger to public safety. She spent two years as a dispatcher for the town's communications department and was a six-year member of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Department.

Additionally, she was majoring in criminal justice at SSU.

In the coming year, Looney reportedly had plans to join the Ocean City Police Department as a full-time officer.

To some of her colleagues, she was a natural in the public safety business. To Mayor Jim Mathias, she epitomized what an Ocean City police officer should be. To ocean City Councilwoman Erin Fitzsimmons, an SSU professor, she was a special student. To Chief David Massey, she should serve as a model for today's youth.

Mathias recently recounted an incident where Megan was attempting to make a "driving while intoxicated" arrest. The female suspect became violent, leaving Megan no other recourse but to get physical. Mathias said she handled the difficult situation with class and professionalism. While she may have been diminutive in statue, Megan was certainly fortitudinous and stoic in mind. For this and many other reasons, her memory will live on.

Unfortunately, the only solace grievers can take this week is to find comfort in the fact she is now in a more peaceful and fair place. It's the only way for those close to her to move on past her tragic death.