By Heather Wanner
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Leading the field operations bureau in criminal arrests and being named trooper of the month at her barrack five times are just a few of Maryland State Trooper Casey Ruth’s many accomplishments.
“I always tell myself, ‘You can’t stay stagnant,’” Ruth said. “I’m always looking for ways to better myself, the people around me, and the agency. You can’t move upwards if you’re comfortable and you can’t be afraid to push yourself and challenge yourself, even if it scares you.”
Ruth’s diligent dedication has led her to become the first woman to win Statewide Trooper of the Year in 2015, the biggest award in the state of Maryland for the entire agency.
“It is near impossible to describe everything I felt when they announced my name,” Ruth said. “I felt ecstatic and relieved that all of my hard work paid off, yet confident that winning this award would hopefully prove and inspire females everywhere that we can accomplish anything in a male dominated profession.”
In such a male-dominated field, Ruth feels that anything is possible with the right attitude, work ethic, and support system.
“Many times females have to work twice as hard in male dominated professions to prove their worth,” Ruth said. “However, this can be used as a catalyst in working to create a respected reputation that will follow us for years to come. I hope that in winning Trooper of the Year for the Maryland State Police, and being the first and only female in 95 years, helps pave the way for other females and inspires them to do the same.”
Some of Ruth’s other accomplishments and honors include St. Mary’s County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, Trooper Jessica Cheney Spirit Award from the Mid-Atlantic Association of Women in Law Enforcement, Certificate of Recognition from the Leonardtown Barrack Commander for Top Producer in Criminal Arrests, Leonardtown Barrack Rookie of the Year, Commander’s Award from the Leonardtown Barrack Commander for Top Performance in DUI Apprehensions, and the Commander’s Award from the Leonardtown Barrack Commander for Top Performance in Traffic Enforcement.
“It is hard sometimes when you feel like you have to work twice as hard in your profession to achieve the same results as your male counterparts, or to achieve the same reputation,” Ruth said. “But would it even be worth it to accomplish so many things without that same hard work?”
Ruth is also involved in multiple charities and non-profits, looking to reach out to every part of the community she serves. She recently adopted the Chesapeake Public Charter School in Lexington Park, Maryland.
“Adopting the school has been by far one of the most rewarding things I’ve done within the community,” Ruth said. “To me, children are our future and I want to make the biggest impact on them at the youngest age.”
Ruth doesn’t expect to slow down any time soon and hopes to become a sergeant within the next five years, being transferred to the Maryland State Police Academy as a full-time instructor.
“This is exactly how it should feel when any given person works hard enough,” Ruth said. “I’m going to continue to make goals, achieve them, and follow my dreams.