Ryan Diener
Detective, Baltimore (MD) Police Department
Ever since first grade I had dreamed of being a police officer. So many things as a child enthralled me about the job: the uniform, the lights and sirens, and chasing bad guys. Now, fast forward to the end of my undergraduate work at the University of Maryland, College Park. Throughout college I had worked in the University of Maryland Police Auxiliary and often would interact with officers from both the University and surrounding police jurisdictions, further giving me interest in law enforcement. I also was active and growing in my faith while a part of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, growing in my understanding of Christ and growing in friendships with those very different than me.
Upon graduation, God called me to Baltimore, Maryland and the Baltimore Police Department. Since July of 2003, I’ve called the Baltimore Police Department home and have been honored to serve alongside many incredible men and women who daily sacrifice much for the sake of others. I’ve been blessed to have been given many opportunities throughout my career to include neighborhood patrol, operations unit, district detective unit, citywide robbery unit, executive protection details for the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City and for the Police Commissioner. As of this writing, I continue to pursue justice in the Criminal Investigation Division, Homicide Section. Equally important to me, I moved into a neighborhood that many would call under-resourced and became neighbors with people many would be unwilling to get to know. I learned to love my neighbor as myself (Mark 12:31) and as a result call many neighbors dear friends. They’ve taught me more than I could have possibly expected about myself, about others, and about my faith.
For those considering a career in law enforcement, always pursue the dreams that you have. Always do what is right and once you start your career, in time, others will take notice of your hard work, integrity, and willingness to learn and seek you out for positions or to be a part of their unit. Always be willing to learn, even after many years on the job.
For those currently in law enforcement or retired, do not lose hope when times become difficult, whether professionally or personally, because they will. Be encouraged by 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” Remember that you are not alone.
I joyfully “give an answer…for the reason for the hope that I have” (1 Peter 3:15) and pursue daily being a peacemaker as a law enforcement officer. The answer is Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for us all. “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)
