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DENTON – Caroline County’s thin blue line was dimmed when one of her bright lights was lost in a tragic accident on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2026.
Denton Police Chief George Bacorn was killed in a head-on collision near Easton. He was 62.
Town and county residents gathered to grieve and honor his memory as his dignified transfer brought him home Sunday, Sept. 27, from the Medical Examiner’s Office in Baltimore. “There are few words that can ease a loss like this,” the Denton Police Department posted on its Facebook page. “We hope Chief Bacorn’s family and fellow officers can feel the care of the community around them as we welcome him home.”
“What an incredible display of love, respect, and honor this morning,” Caroline County Commission Vice President Larry Porter posted Sept. 27 on Facebook. “Hundreds of people braved the rain and wind to salute Chief George Bacorn’s return home. Thank you to everyone who had a part in coordinating this ‘Dignified Transport’ in very difficult conditions. The rain helped hide a lot of tears.”
The shocking news on Friday prompted the Town of Denton to post on social media that the town office was closed “due to unforeseen circumstances.” Later, the town posted, “It is with profound sadness that the Town of Denton announces the death of Denton Police Chief George Bacorn following a motor vehicle collision.”
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore ordered the Maryland flag to be flown at half-staff, asking “all of Maryland to join Dawn and I in praying for his family, the entire Denton Police Department, law enforcement colleagues, and community.”
“He embodied the meaning of serving others and dedicated his life to keeping communities safe for everyone. Denton, Caroline County, and all of Maryland is a better place because of his courage and public service,” Moore posted on X.
According to a report issued Sept. 25 by the Maryland State Police, the accident claiming Bacorn’s life is under investigation.
The news release reported that Bacorn was driving a Chevrolet Tahoe shortly before 11:30 a.m. on eastbound State Route 331 when the driver of a Ford Transit delivery truck crossed the center double-yellow line near Dover Neck Road, clipped a Chevrolet Silverado, and hit the Tahoe head-on. Bacorn was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the delivery truck, Antonio Jaquan Handy, 31, of Salisbury was transported to a local trauma center by MSP Aviation Command. No other injuries were reported at the scene.
The Caroline County Commissioners issued a statement on Facebook: “This loss touches us all.”
“(We) are deeply saddened by the loss of Denton Police Chief George Bacorn,” the post stated. “Our hearts are with his family, the Denton Police Department, and everyone in the Town of Denton who loved and worked alongside him. … Please keep his family and our entire community in your thoughts and prayers.”
Porter posted on Friday, “George Bacorn was a lifelong friend and an incredible public servant. We are all devastated and trying to wrap our heads around this tragedy. Rest easy my friend, you will never be forgotten.”
Mid-Shore tributes posted on social media noted Bacorn’s friendly nature and humble professionalism.
The Rev. Don Reynolds of Calvary Baptist Church in Denton posted, “Tremendous loss to our community and a friend for many years.”
State Del. Jay Jacobs stated simply, “What a terrible tragedy.”
George Ball posted, “Denton, Caroline County, and the state of Maryland lost a great person who will never be replaced, there was only one George Bacorn.”
“Chief Bacorn was a good man,” Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan posted. “Family members should be very proud of his distinguished service to his community and to the Sheriffs Association. I know he will be deeply missed by the residents of Denton.”
Former president of the Caroline County Board of Education Rick Barton posted, “George had wonderful traditional values that helped him master community policing, He found solutions with calm leadership. He lived his dedication to family, to community and to the people alongside him and beyond. …The world is not as good without George, though his legacy and memory lives with everyone he knew.”
Chief Bacorn’s service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3, at his alma mater, North Caroline High School’s auditorium. A visitation from 10 a.m. to noon will be followed by a Masonic service and a Line of Duty Celebration. The interment will be private.
Please click here to read Chief Bacorn’s obituary which includes information on donating to two of his favorite causes: https://www.moorefuneralhomepa.com/notices/GeorgeWilliam-BacornJr
