CALIFORNIA, Md. — A St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office deputy died Tuesday, July 1, 2025, while on duty, prompting an investigation into the circumstances of his death. The deputy, identified as Mark Porter, was found unresponsive in his vehicle at BJ’s Wholesale in the 44950 block of Worth Avenue in California. Authorities responded in the afternoon to a welfare check call, and the investigation is ongoing, with preliminary findings suggesting a medical cause.
Sheriff Steven A. Hall announced Porter’s passing in a message to the Sheriff’s Office, stating, “It is with regret and sadness that I inform you of the passing of Deputy Mark Porter, #44. Deputy Porter passed away today while in the performance of his duties. At this time, it appears to be medically related however, the investigation is still ongoing.” No foul play is suspected, and the Sheriff’s Office has not released additional details pending further investigation.
Porter, one of the longest-serving deputies in the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, had a career spanning over three decades. Sheriff Hall described him as “a dependable and steady presence in our ranks—respected for his experience, integrity, and quiet professionalism.” In March 2022, Porter was recognized by the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County for his 34 years and five months of service, alongside other retiring deputies. At the time, Sheriff Hall noted, “Sgt. Porter has poured his heart and soul into his career with the agency.”
The Sheriff’s Office is providing support and resources to its members during this period of grief. Sheriff Hall emphasized unity, stating, “As always, we will stand together as one agency—united in grief and in gratitude for the life and service of Deputy Mark Porter.” The agency has requested that the public keep Porter’s family and colleagues in their thoughts.
The investigation into Porter’s death is being handled by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, which is responsible for major incidents, including death investigations. Detectives are working to determine the exact circumstances, focusing on medical factors based on initial reports. Authorities have secured the scene at BJ’s Wholesale, and no additional information has been released regarding the specific time of the welfare check or the events leading up to it.