Baltimore Port Police Whistleblower: Officer George Tarburton
In the vast landscape of American history, where the echoes of honor, courage, and commitment resonate, narratives hint at moments of both bravery and adversity. Among these stories lies the case of Maryland Transportation Authority Police Officer George Tarburton #7171, who was assigned to the Baltimore Port Detachment from 1989 until 2006.
He’s a man whose unwavering commitment to his oath of office would soon intersect with a significant event at the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Little did he know that his steadfast dedication would set the stage for a clash between integrity and authority, shedding light on the challenges faced by those who dare to speak truth to power. As we examine this story, we must go back in time, tracing the steps of George Tarburton as he navigates through service marked by courage and conviction. Yet, beneath the surface, ominous signs emerge, foreshadowing a cataclysmic event that would shake the very foundations of the Baltimore Port and thrust Tarburton into the forefront of a battle for transparency and accountability.
George Tarburton's journey of service began on June 16th, 1982, when he enlisted in the Marine Corps, serving as a Machine Gunner until June 15th, 1986. During his service, he held a high-level clearance, spending two of those years stationed overseas in Italy, where he played a crucial role in securing highly sensitive assets. Following his honorable discharge from the Marines as a Sergeant (E-5), Tarburton's dedication to duty continued as he transitioned into law enforcement. He completed the Police Academy on February 21st, 1990, marking the beginning of his distinguished career. It was on August 9th, 1989, that he took the Oath of Office upon his initial appointment within the police force, a solemn pledge to uphold the law and protect the people, including supporting and defending the Constitution of the United States of America.
This oath, often referred to as a social contract, embodies the fundamental principles of our republic and underscores the responsibilities of public servants to uphold the supreme law of the land (Constitution).
In 2005, faced with deteriorating security and safety conditions at the Baltimore Port, including issues such as inadequate security lighting, malfunctioning surveillance cameras, problems with the perimeter fences, inoperable alarm systems, insufficient police presence on land and sea, unattended gates, and unsecured tunnel access panels in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, Tarburton chose to speak out. He became a whistleblower, shedding light on these critical lapses in security that left the port vulnerable to potential threats. Despite knowing the risks involved, Tarburton remained steadfast in his conviction that the safety and security of the public outweighed personal concerns.
"In my heart, I knew it was the right thing to do even though I made serious sacrifices with ultimately being unlawfully discharged from my appointed duties and incredible struggles to make ends meet ," Tarburton reflects.
Crucially, George Tarburton diligently followed protocol by pushing this information through his chain of command consistently, prior to releasing it to the media. Despite repeated attempts to address the security and safety deficiencies at the Baltimore Port through official channels, his concerns fell on deaf ears. None of the information he disclosed was classified; it was simply a matter of public safety and security which was his duty to address and formally report on.
However, his courageous actions were met with swift and severe retribution. After speaking to and releasing his information to the press and when his anonymity was compromised, Tarburton faced interrogation for more than 10 hours by authorities, all because he stood upon his First Amendment Right. Throughout this ordeal, he endured intimidation and harassment in an attempt to silence him. He was brought to an internal board where two officers voted against him, Lt. Kevin Anderson #0147, later made Chief, and Off. Steven Benner #0671, while the Captain and chairman of the board at the time, Capt. Later Major Erick Garrison #0485, found him innocent and justified in his actions. Additionally, his whistleblower actions were brought to court in “Tarburton v. MDTA,” case # 24C-06-00438, in the Baltimore City Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Stuart R. Berger. Instead of protecting the Supreme Law of the Land and Tarburton’s rights, Judge Berger found him “guilty” for violating policy, in what amounts to a kangaroo court.
Coincidentally, during the interrogations and subsequent investigations, where an immense amount of time and resources were spent retaliating against George, Tarburton discovered that his brake lines had been cut. This revelation occurred as he took a routine lunch break, driving down a familiar road on Route 40 with a large hill. Just before reaching the hill, he realized he had no brakes. Acting swiftly, he was able to get the SUV pulled over and towed to a mechanic, where the chilling truth was confirmed: his brake lines were deliberately severed. This malicious act could have resulted in a catastrophic car accident, putting Tarburton's life in grave danger.
"Throughout the ordeal, I had immense support from my mother, a great friend who I served in the Marine Corps with overseas, and other good officers on the force," Tarburton recalls.
Among those who retaliated against Tarburton were the magistrates and officials within the Maryland Transportation Authority Police who sought to silence him and punish him for his commitment to transparency and accountability. Investigation in George's case, was led by Corporal Corey McKenzie #0778 at the time, who has since been promoted all the way up to Lieutenant Colonel, Chief of Operations Bureau, Tarburton's superiors embarked on a campaign to discharge him, disregarding his rights as a whistleblower and undermining the principles of law they were sworn to uphold. Among those was Chief Gary McLhinney, who according to George, attempted to try to bribe him with a plea deal by giving up the other officers who shared Officer Tarburton's documented security and safety issues anonymously with the press. George refused and ultimately was the only one unlawfully discharged by this "witch-hunt."
Undeterred by the injustice he faced, Tarburton sought recourse through legal channels, challenging the unjust treatment he had endured. Yet, despite his efforts, justice remained elusive, denied to him by a system unwilling to confront its own failings. Forced to resign under duress, Tarburton's once-promising career in law enforcement came to an abrupt, unjust, and unlawful end at his 17-year mark.
Investigating the Port of Baltimore: Uncovering the Truth
Amidst the turmoil surrounding George Tarburton's courageous stand, questions loom large about the true state of affairs within the Port of Baltimore. What lies beneath the surface of recent events, particularly the "DALI" container ship that steered directly into and destroyed the Francis Scott Key Bridge? Reports indicate systemic failures in safety and security measures, painting a troubling picture of negligence, suggesting deeper and more serious issues may lurk within the port's infrastructure and operational protocols. The collision serves as a stark reminder of potential catastrophic consequences stemming from these lapses, prompting urgent scrutiny into the port's management and oversight.
George Tarburton's very good Marine friend, who transitioned into becoming a dedicated Massachusetts public-school teacher specializing in law, played a crucial role in advocating for George's cause. With a deep understanding of legal an lawful principles and a commitment to justice, he assigned his students the task of examining George's situation within the context of relevant laws and constitutional rights. This assignment not only enriched the students' understanding of the Oath's that public servants are bound by, but their application in real-world situations. This sparked a wave of empathy and support for Officer Tarburton.
Some of these students went above and beyond by reaching out to George personally, expressing their solidarity and offering words of encouragement.
Through his friend's innovative approach to education and unwavering support, George found solace in knowing that his plight was not only raising awareness but also inspiring future generations to stand up for justice and uphold the principles of duty, integrity, and courage.
One of letters stated, “Hearing your story about the protection of the Port of Baltimore, I learned that you are a man of both ethics and integrity, knowing there are people who are willing to sacrifice their job for the safety of others brings me happiness.” Good public school teachers like George's Marine Corps friend seem to be few and far between these days.
As the saga unfolds, it becomes apparent that Tarburton's efforts to address security and safety lapses were not only justified but imperative for the safety and security of all. However, what remains puzzling is the excessive response directed at him. Why were such vast resources mobilized to suppress his whistleblowing instead of rectifying the glaring deficiencies in port security and safety reports?
Furthermore, why was a multinational security company (Securitas International) contracted to provide security services for profit at the Baltimore Port, aiding and abetting in the case against Officer Tarburton? Namely, individuals such as Mr. Mike Fontz, Mr. Bill Johnson, Ms. Kelly Keller, and Mr. Stanley Thomas of Securitas International, why did they feel the need to break Officer Tarburton's anonymity, after the security and safety concerns were brought to the public from a public servant (Officer Tarburton). Wouldn't they want to help work to rectify the security and safety concerns instead of working to break the anonymity of a police officer who was speaking out upon his First Amendment Right?
Moreover, why is/was a multinational corporation, with foreign shareholders, providing security services for our national ports? Was Officer Tarburton's & Baltimore Port Police (MDTA) authority being subverted by a foreign entity with the help of MDTA Officers, who were looking to climb the "promotion ladder," within the MDTA? Isn't that a serious conflict of interest by having a multinational security corporation (Securitas International) providing security at our national ports and assisting in cases against officers whose duty it is to identify security and safety lapses? Ironically, according to a Washington Post article, "On Oct. 25, 2005 the international firm Securitas Security Services was awarded a one-year, $1 million contract." These are some of the questions and immediate concerns that come to my mind and Lieutenant Colonel Corey McKenzie #0778, the lead investigator assigned to Officer Tarburton's case, should be asking himself. It's also interesting that the officer's involved with this case against Officer Tarburton quickly rose through the ranks.
These questions linger, demanding answers that speak to the heart of accountability and transparency within our republic. As we navigate through the complexities of Tarburton's story, it becomes increasingly clear that the issues at hand extend far beyond the individual. They speak to systemic rot that must be confronted head-on if we are to ensure the safety and security of our nations people.
It's imperative to revisit Tarburton's story, especially in light of the recent major safety and security incident in the port of Baltimore. The incident involved the “DALI" container ship carrying an immense amount of hazardous material, which steered directly into the main support pylon of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, resulting in its complete destruction.
This catastrophe has not only disrupted the flow of commerce but has also raised serious concerns about the safety and security protocols in place at the Baltimore Port. George Tarburton's courageous actions as a Port Police Officer, blowing the whistle on safety and security lapses, now resonate more strongly than ever. His efforts to raise awareness about these critical issues, despite facing severe retaliation, underscore the importance of accountability and transparency within our law enforcement agencies. Unfortunately, Tarburton's story has fallen behind a paywall, making it less accessible to the public. Yet, its relevance remains as pertinent as ever.
Beyond the personal tragedy lies a broader lesson for society as a whole. Tarburton's story underscores the vital importance of accountability, transparency, and the protection of those who seek to uphold the public good. It underscores the need for systemic reform, ensuring that individuals who bravely step forward in the service of justice are not abandoned or vilified, but rather celebrated as champions of the common good. Simultaneously, it calls for holding accountable those who misuse or unjustly wield their authority, ensuring that they are subject to appropriate consequences for their actions.
George Tarburton's sacrifice will not be forgotten, and his story will continue to inspire future generations to uphold the principles of honor, courage, and commitment in the pursuit of justice for all.
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Feel free to share your comments, observations, or experiences related to the story of George Tarburton and the issues surrounding the Port of Baltimore. We value your input and look forward to fostering a constructive dialogue on these critical matters.
***All of the source information within this article and quotes was directly provided to Mark Charles Bashaw from Officer George Tarburton and released within this article with his permission.
