9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil | PHOTOS – Baltimore Sun Skip to content
Left to right, Maryland State Police Detective Sergeant Jon M. McGee, Westminster Police Chief Thomas Ledwell, Carroll County Sheriff Jim DeWees and Westminster Common Councilmember Kevin E. Dayhoff, light candles for those remembering friends and loved ones lost to drug overdose at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Left to right, Maryland State Police Detective Sergeant Jon M. McGee, Westminster Police Chief Thomas Ledwell, Carroll County Sheriff Jim DeWees and Westminster Common Councilmember Kevin E. Dayhoff, light candles for those remembering friends and loved ones lost to drug overdose at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Jeffrey F. Bill - Senior Content Editor, Baltimore Sun Media; Capital Gazete, Carroll County Times, Community Newspaper Group (CNG)
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The State’s Attorney’s office hosted Carroll County’s 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John Catholic Church. The annual vigil was started to give those grieving, a place they needed to remember those lost, to provide support to those suffering, and to help raise awareness to the continued challenges the community faces regarding the opioid crisis. During the Vigil, the Office of the State’s Attorney presented the Message of Hope award and The Bob Kirkland award to two individuals for their commitment to the community, their compassion to the families of those lost to an overdose, and their support of individuals on their journey of recovery.

One of three tables displayed phgotos of friends and loved ones lost to drug overdose. The State's Attorney's office hosted Carroll County's 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
One of three tables displayed phgotos of friends and loved ones lost to drug overdose. The State’s Attorney’s office hosted Carroll County’s 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
One of three tables displayed phgotos of friends and loved ones lost to drug overdose. The State's Attorney's office hosted Carroll County's 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
One of three tables displayed phgotos of friends and loved ones lost to drug overdose. The State’s Attorney’s office hosted Carroll County’s 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
One of three tables displayed phgotos of friends and loved ones lost to drug overdose. The State's Attorney's office hosted Carroll County's 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
One of three tables displayed phgotos of friends and loved ones lost to drug overdose. The State’s Attorney’s office hosted Carroll County’s 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
County Commissioner, Ed Rothstein, District 5, and others look at pictures of those lost to overdose prior to the start of the vigil. The State's Attorney's office hosted Carroll County's 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
County Commissioner, Ed Rothstein, District 5, and others look at pictures of those lost to overdose prior to the start of the vigil. The State’s Attorney’s office hosted Carroll County’s 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Brandon Stach, 3 years clean, and Jennifer Freeman from Maddie's House, create Memory Stones for those they have lost to drug overdose. The State's Attorney's office hosted Carroll County's 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Brandon Stach, 3 years clean, and Jennifer Freeman from Maddie’s House, create Memory Stones for those they have lost to drug overdose. The State’s Attorney’s office hosted Carroll County’s 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Brandon Stach, 3 years clean, creates a Memory Stone for his many friends lost to drug overdose. The State's Attorney's office hosted Carroll County's 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Brandon Stach, 3 years clean, creates a Memory Stone for his many friends lost to drug overdose. The State’s Attorney’s office hosted Carroll County’s 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Ashley Stedding, sister, and Melissa Davis, mother, make Memory Stones in memory of Robert Haines, Jr., who lost his life Feb. 18, 2020 to drug overdose. The State's Attorney's office hosted Carroll County's 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Ashley Stedding, sister, and Melissa Davis, mother, make Memory Stones in memory of Robert Haines, Jr., who lost his life Feb. 18, 2020 to drug overdose. The State’s Attorney’s office hosted Carroll County’s 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
The Carroll County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard, led by Master Deputy Mario DeVivio, presented the colors at Carroll County's 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, led by Master Deputy Mario DeVivio, presented the colors at Carroll County’s 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Over 400 people were in attendance at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Over 400 people were in attendance at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
State's Attorney Haven N. Shoemaker, Jr., hosted and served as MC at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
State’s Attorney Haven N. Shoemaker, Jr., hosted and served as MC at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
State's Attorney Haven N. Shoemaker, Jr., hosted and served as MC at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
State’s Attorney Haven N. Shoemaker, Jr., hosted and served as MC at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Tim Weber, Community Education Liaison for the States Attorney's Office, introduces Brian Kimmel, who gave "A Recovery Perspective" at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Tim Weber, Community Education Liaison for the States Attorney’s Office, introduces Brian Kimmel, who gave “A Recovery Perspective” at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Tim Weber, Community Education Liaison for the States Attorney's Office, introduces Brian Kimmel, who gave "A Recovery Perspective" at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Tim Weber, Community Education Liaison for the States Attorney’s Office, introduces Brian Kimmel, who gave “A Recovery Perspective” at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Tim Weber, Community Education Liaison for the States Attorney's Office, hugs Brian Kimmel, after introducing him to give "A Recovery Perspective" at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Tim Weber, Community Education Liaison for the States Attorney’s Office, hugs Brian Kimmel, after introducing him to give “A Recovery Perspective” at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Brian Kimmel, gives his father recognition while offering "A Recovery Perspective" at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Brian Kimmel, gives his father recognition while offering “A Recovery Perspective” at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Brian Kimmel, offers "A Recovery Perspective" at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Brian Kimmel, offers “A Recovery Perspective” at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
State's Attorney Haven N. Shoemaker, Jr., introduces Beth Schmidt for "A Family's Perspective" at 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
State’s Attorney Haven N. Shoemaker, Jr., introduces Beth Schmidt for “A Family’s Perspective” at 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Beth Schmidt offers "A Family's Perspective" at 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Beth Schmidt offers “A Family’s Perspective” at 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Beth Schmidt offers "A Family's Perspective" at 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Beth Schmidt offers “A Family’s Perspective” at 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Beth Schmidt offers "A Family's Perspective" at 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Beth Schmidt offers “A Family’s Perspective” at 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Keynote Speaker, Ike Dixon, shares his experience with drug addictionat the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Keynote Speaker, Ike Dixon, shares his experience with drug addictionat the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Keynote Speaker, Ike Dixon, shares his experience with drug addictionat the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Keynote Speaker, Ike Dixon, shares his experience with drug addictionat the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Keynote Speaker, Ike Dixon, shares his experience with drug addictionat the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Keynote Speaker, Ike Dixon, shares his experience with drug addictionat the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Westminster Chief Of Police, Thomas Ledwell, accepted the "Message of Hope Award" on behalf of Lt. Tim Rife at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Westminster Chief Of Police, Thomas Ledwell, accepted the “Message of Hope Award” on behalf of Lt. Tim Rife at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Bill Roby of Maryland Treatment Centers Mount Manor, remembers Bob Kirkland at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Bill Roby of Maryland Treatment Centers Mount Manor, remembers Bob Kirkland at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Margie Neighoff, Peer Recovery Coach at Carroll Hospital Center, is hugged by Tim Weber after receiving the "Bob Kirkland Award" at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Margie Neighoff, Peer Recovery Coach at Carroll Hospital Center, is hugged by Tim Weber after receiving the “Bob Kirkland Award” at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Tim Weber, offers those who lost friends and loved ones to drug overdose to come up and light a candle in their memory as he reads their names at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Tim Weber, offers those who lost friends and loved ones to drug overdose to come up and light a candle in their memory as he reads their names at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Candles are lit for those remembering friends and loved ones lost to drug overdose at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Candles are lit for those remembering friends and loved ones lost to drug overdose at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Carroll County Sheriff Jim DeWees and Westminster Common Councilmember Kevin E. Dayhoff, light candles for those remembering friends and loved ones lost to drug overdose at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Carroll County Sheriff Jim DeWees and Westminster Common Councilmember Kevin E. Dayhoff, light candles for those remembering friends and loved ones lost to drug overdose at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Carroll County Sheriff Jim DeWees lights a candle for those remembering friends and loved ones lost to drug overdose at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Carroll County Sheriff Jim DeWees lights a candle for those remembering friends and loved ones lost to drug overdose at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Left to right, Maryland State Police Detective Sergeant Jon M. McGee, Westminster Police Chief Thomas Ledwell, Carroll County Sheriff Jim DeWees and Westminster Common Councilmember Kevin E. Dayhoff, light candles for those remembering friends and loved ones lost to drug overdose at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Left to right, Maryland State Police Detective Sergeant Jon M. McGee, Westminster Police Chief Thomas Ledwell, Carroll County Sheriff Jim DeWees and Westminster Common Councilmember Kevin E. Dayhoff, light candles for those remembering friends and loved ones lost to drug overdose at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
The State's Attorney's office hosted Carroll County's 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
The State’s Attorney’s office hosted Carroll County’s 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Westminster Common Councilmember Kevin E. Dayhoff, Carroll County Sheriff Jim DeWees, Westminster Police Chief Thomas Ledwell, and Maryland State Police Detective Sergeant Jon M. McGee, light candles for those remembering friends and loved ones lost to drug overdose at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Westminster Common Councilmember Kevin E. Dayhoff, Carroll County Sheriff Jim DeWees, Westminster Police Chief Thomas Ledwell, and Maryland State Police Detective Sergeant Jon M. McGee, light candles for those remembering friends and loved ones lost to drug overdose at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Candles are lit for those remembering friends and loved ones lost to drug overdose at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Candles are lit for those remembering friends and loved ones lost to drug overdose at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Friends and loved ones who lost someone to drug overdose, light candles in their memory at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Friends and loved ones who lost someone to drug overdose, light candles in their memory at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Candles are lit for those remembering friends and loved ones lost to drug overdose at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Candles are lit for those remembering friends and loved ones lost to drug overdose at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Candles are lit for those remembering friends and loved ones lost to drug overdose at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Candles are lit for those remembering friends and loved ones lost to drug overdose at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Deacon Steven Roscher gives the Benediction at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Deacon Steven Roscher gives the Benediction at the 9th Annual Drug Overdose and Prevention Vigil Tuesday at Portico at St. John in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)