For Cpl. Eugene Douglas, every day brings the unexpected. “My favorite part of being a police officer is doing something different every day,” he says. “In law enforcement, the unknown is expected during your tour of duty. I just have to adapt to whatever comes up.”

Douglas has spent his entire 23-year law enforcement career with the University of Maryland, Baltimore Police Department (UMBPD). His service has included unexpected and memorable days, including one call where he arrived to find an unresponsive person. 

“I began CPR and used the AED,” Douglas says. “The paramedics arrived and transported her to the emergency room. Several days later, I was told that she pulled through.” For his heroic actions, Douglas earned a Life Saving Award. 

Douglas describes joining UMBPD as a “life-changing decision.” One of his friends who was a UMB police officer told him the department was hiring. He talked to his family and decided to apply. “The rest is history,” he says. 

Since joining the department, Douglas has been chosen to serve as an Officer-in-Charge, which is when a corporal serves as an acting sergeant during their shift. He also is the coordinator for the UMBPD Bicycle Patrol Unit and serves on the Honor Guard. 

Douglas’ passion for his job is obvious. He advises students to pay attention to safety tips and resources from UMBPD.

Outside of work, Douglas enjoys spending time with his family and friends, cooking on the grill, and riding his motorcycle. “I'm still a kid at heart,” says Douglas. “I enjoy going to amusement parks to ride rollercoasters!”