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Commissioners approve out-of-state training for sheriff’s STAR team despite cost concerns
Summary
After questioning costs and exploring grant options, commissioners approved an out-of-state training request for the sheriff’s S.T.A.R. team required by COMAR; vote recorded with six yes and one abstention.
The Worcester County Commissioners on Jan. 6 approved an out-of-state travel request from the sheriff’s office to send members of the S.T.A.R. team to an internationally recognized training facility.
Commissioner Bunning questioned whether the training was a state-mandated requirement and whether grants or closer training options could reduce an approximately $47,000 travel bill. The sheriff confirmed the training meets COMAR requirements for 40 hours of annual scenario-based training and said the department’s financial administrator pursues grants but the expense falls within the operating budget for FY26. Lieutenant Price, the S.T.A.R. team leader, explained why out-of-area live-fire facilities and varied instructor perspectives are operationally valuable and why sending the full team at once would leave the county short-staffed.
Commissioners discussed alternatives, including hosting more training locally and pursuing grant opportunities in future years. The board approved the travel request; the transcript records no opposing votes and one abstention.
The sheriff’s office will proceed with the training schedule and the county will continue to seek grant funding where possible.
