August Ambassador has a heart for law enforcement, service

Aug. 11, 2023 -- A truck driver from out of state was being admitted to the hospital for a few days, and he had a problem. The patient had been traveling with his dog and now his company was having the truck towed with the dog still inside and nowhere to go.

Detective Dillon Pitcher of the Reid Health Police Department was able to arrange to have the dog picked up and temporarily housed until the patient recovered.

"Dillon was even kind enough to send me pictures of the dog so I could share them with the patient," a co-worker said.

It's just one story that showcases why Pitcher has been named Reid Health's August Ambassador.

Pitcher joined Reid five years ago as the health system was on the verge of turning its security team into a full-fledged police department.

"I wanted to be part of making that tremendous milestone," Pitcher said, "and it's been an honor ever since.

"The team we have here -- from our vice president to our chief and all the way to our newest officer -- is like no other I've been a part of. It's a pleasure serving Reid Health and our community with this team."

Co-workers say Pitcher is uniquely suited for his role.

"Dillon has a heart not only for law enforcement and service but also for helping those around him," one person said. "Whether it's a fellow officer, a staff member, patient, or visitor, Dillon is always eager to lend his hand, his knowledge, and his heart to those in need."

"Despite the many difficult -- and often heart-breaking -- situations he's required to address on a daily basis, Dillon shows up with a smile, an encouraging word, compassion, and diligent work ethic," another co-worker said.

A native of Centerville, Pitcher now lives in Hagerstown with his wife, Maranda, and their three children -- Juliana, 10; Aubri, 9; and Easton, 5.

"I was blessed to meet two sweet and resilient girls in the Emergency Department. My wife and I felt led by God to bring them into our home and adopt them," Pitcher said. "They've now been with us for more than a year, and we are finalizing our adoption. Our son now has two new best friends and even calls them his sisters."

"Despite the many difficult -- and often heart-breaking -- situations he's required to address on a daily basis, Dillon shows up with a smile, an encouraging word, compassion, and diligent work ethic," Co-worker

Pitcher is the first full-time investigator for RHPD. In his time with the department, he has developed and implemented the first case management system for the agency and recently helped in the implementation of a new law enforcement software system connecting RHPD with other local law enforcement agencies and the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.

"Being a police officer in a hospital setting is so unique," Pitcher said. "It isn't about making an arrest or being that authoritative figure -- although sometimes that's warranted -- it's about using appropriate discretion in the decisions you make in each scenario.

"Many times, a uniform can be intimidating especially when everyone who comes into our facility has a level of anxiety. Being able to show compassion and understanding in a law enforcement capacity, in my opinion, is vital."

"Dillon is a great choice for this month's honor," said Pam Jones, Reid Health Vice President/General Counsel. "He genuinely reflects the mission and values of Reid Health. I'm proud of our entire RHPD team but especially proud Dillon is our August Ambassador."