Interim Rector
Father Steve’s family has a long history at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Parish, Hancock. This is his home parish, and the church that raised him up for ordination.
Father Steve’s call to the ordination process follows a long career in law enforcement and military service. He retired from the Air Force (Air National Guard) after serving 20 years in the Security Forces. He retired as a Sergeant with the Maryland State Police in 2004. After retiring from the State Police, he served a term as the Chief of the Hancock Police, and then ended his police career with the Washington County Maryland Sheriff’s Office, where he helped implement the School Resource Officer position in the County Public School System.
Father Steve’s wife Melanie retired with over 40 years as a registered nurse. He and Melanie have two sons; Rhett and Cade. Rhett is a supervisor with the Internal Revenue Service, and is married to Elizabeth (Beth,) who is a public high school teacher. They reside in Pawley’s Island, South Carolina, with their two boys, Liam, and Evan. Cade is following in Father Steve’s footsteps, and is a Maryland State Police Trooper. Cade is also a Marine Corp Veteran, having served in the Middle East. Cade is married to Amanda who works in the health field. Cade and Amanda reside in Boonsboro, Maryland, travel around the world at every opportunity, and love their two dogs.
Father Steve and Melanie love the outdoors, and enjoy hiking at every opportunity, visiting their family in South Carolina, and spoiling their grandsons. Father Steve is also an outdoorsman who enjoys hunting and fishing. He and Melanie have an interest in exercise and fitness. With Melanie as his passenger, he also enjoys riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycle when time allows.
Father Steve has a Master’s Degree from Nashotah House Theological Seminary, Wisconsin. He also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology with a Minor in Criminal Justice from Frostburg State University, Frostburg, Maryland, and an Associates Degree in Administration of Justice from Hagerstown Community College. He also holds a National Certification in Group & Individual Crisis Intervention.