West Friendship, MD — Ryan O’Connor, candidate for Howard County Council in District 5, today announced the endorsement of the Howard County Police Supervisors’ Alliance, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #143. The Alliance represents the supervisors of the Howard County Police Department — the sergeants, lieutenants, and command staff responsible for leading the men and women who protect our community every day.
The endorsement marks a significant moment for the O’Connor campaign, which has seen rapid momentum in recent weeks. On April 10, O’Connor was endorsed by the Howard County Association of REALTORS®. On April 15, he received the endorsement of the Howard County Fraternal Order of Police, representing the department’s rank-and-file officers. On April 21, the campaign reported raising more than $55,000 in its first ten weeks — a strong showing driven by grassroots support across District 5. Today’s endorsement from Lodge #143 means O’Connor now has the backing of Howard County’s police department from line officers to command staff.
In their endorsement letter, Lodge President Sergeant Jim Daly wrote that the Alliance is “confident that you possess the professional experience, balanced judgment, and community dedication needed to effectively move Howard County forward.”
“This endorsement means a great deal to me,” said O’Connor. “The supervisors of our police department see everything — they know what our officers need to do their jobs well, and they know what our neighborhoods need to stay safe. When they say they’ve looked at my background and believe I can do this job, that’s the kind of vote of confidence that matters to me.”
O’Connor met with Lodge #143 representatives early in his campaign to discuss the challenges facing Howard County public safety, including response times in the more rural areas of District 5, recruitment and retention, and the working conditions officers face day-to-day.
“From Ellicott City to Lisbon to Dayton, families in District 5 expect the same responsive public safety services as the rest of Howard County — and our officers deserve leaders who respect their professional judgment and have their backs,” O’Connor said. “I’m grateful to Lodge #143 for their trust, and I’m going to earn it every day between now and November.”
The O’Connor campaign has steadily expanded its coalition since launching earlier this year, earning support from law enforcement, the real estate community, and individual donors across District 5.
O’Connor is a lifelong Howard County resident, Glenelg High School graduate, father of three children who benefited from Howard County Public Schools, and Director of the Howard County Boys Club Lacrosse program. He lives in West Friendship with his wife and family.