Baltimore County, January 3, 2026
The Baltimore community is grieving the loss of Detective Paul Hoke, who passed away following a medical emergency while on duty on New Year’s Eve. With over 30 years of dedicated service to the Baltimore County Police Department, Hoke’s commitment to public safety and community welfare has left a lasting impact. The department and community are coming together to support his family during this difficult time, as funeral arrangements are expected to be announced soon. Hoke’s legacy continues to inspire local heroes and highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement officers.
Baltimore County Detective Paul Hoke Passes Away Following On-Duty Medical Emergency
Community Mourns the Loss of a Dedicated Officer
Baltimore County, Maryland – The Baltimore community is in mourning after the loss of Detective Paul Hoke, a distinguished 30-year veteran of the Baltimore County Police Department, who passed away on January 2, 2026, following a medical emergency that occurred while he was on duty on New Year’s Eve.
Detective Hoke exemplified a lifetime of service and commitment to public safety, and his untimely death serves as a poignant reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face daily. His legacy reflects a dedication that not only impacts the police department but also the entire community wherein he served.
Incident Details
On December 31, 2025, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Detective Hoke, 49, was working a voluntary overtime shift at Precinct 6 in Towson when he collapsed. Immediate medical attention was administered, and he was transported to a local hospital, where he remained until his passing surrounded by loved ones.
Career and Legacy
Detective Hoke joined the Baltimore County Police Department in 1995, serving with honor and distinction for over three decades. At the time of his passing, he was assigned to the Homicide/Missing Persons Unit. His commitment to public service is reflected in his family’s legacy, as his father, Robert Hoke, is also a retired member of the department, illustrating a commendable lineage of service to the community.
Department’s Response
Chief Robert McCullough expressed the department’s profound sadness over Detective Hoke’s passing and conveyed gratitude for the sacrifices the Hoke family has made throughout his career. The department has called upon the community to support the Hoke family with thoughts and prayers during this challenging time.
Funeral Arrangements
Funeral arrangements will be coordinated with the Hoke family and announced at a later date, as the department and community prepare to honor Detective Hoke’s memory and commendable service to Baltimore County.
Community Support and Impact
The Baltimore County Police Department routinely offers overtime opportunities to its officers to maintain necessary operational readiness. Detective Hoke’s dedication in taking on additional shifts highlights his commitment to the welfare and safety of the community he served. The outpouring of support from residents demonstrably illustrates the impact he had throughout his career, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and community engagement.
Challenges Faced by Officers
Detective Hoke’s passing comes on the heels of other tragic incidents involving Baltimore County police officers, including the deaths of Officer James Beckham in December 2025 and Officer Faith Tingen Tikum in November 2025. Such events have understandably shaken the department and the community, emphasizing the challenges law enforcement personnel encounter daily.
Conclusion
Detective Paul Hoke leaves behind a significant legacy for both the Baltimore County Police Department and the broader community. His unwavering commitment to public safety and the values he instilled in his colleagues and community members will be remembered fondly. This call to action encourages citizens to remain engaged in community safety and to appreciate the dedication demonstrated by local heroes like Detective Hoke.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened to Detective Paul Hoke?
Detective Paul Hoke experienced a medical emergency while on duty on New Year’s Eve and passed away on January 2, 2026, at the age of 49.
How long did Detective Hoke serve in the Baltimore County Police Department?
Detective Hoke served for over 30 years, having joined the department in 1995.
What was Detective Hoke’s role at the time of his passing?
At the time of his passing, Detective Hoke was assigned to the Homicide/Missing Persons Unit.
What is the department’s response to Detective Hoke’s passing?
The department has expressed profound grief and has requested the public to keep Detective Hoke and his family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Are there any funeral arrangements announced?
Funeral arrangements will be announced in coordination with the Hoke family. The department is committed to honoring Detective Hoke’s memory and his dedicated service to the community.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident Details | Detective Hoke collapsed while on duty on New Year’s Eve and passed away on January 2, 2026. |
| Career and Legacy | Over 30 years of service in the Baltimore County Police Department, assigned to the Homicide/Missing Persons Unit. |
| Department’s Response | Expression of profound grief and request for public support for Detective Hoke’s family. |
| Funeral Arrangements | To be announced in coordination with the Hoke family; department committed to honoring his memory. |
| Community Support | Encouragement for the community to extend support and prayers to Detective Hoke’s family. |
| Challenges Faced by Officers | Recent incidents involving Baltimore County Police officers, including Officer James Beckham’s death in December 2025. |
| Conclusion | Recognition of Detective Hoke’s significant loss and his dedicated service to the community. |
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