Distinguished Graduates 2015: Frederick barracks commander Wachsmuth recognized for public service

by Olivia King, Reporter

Police officers call him Lieutenant Wachsmuth, but in high school he was called Wayne.  He was a sports fanatic from playing football and ice hockey, to running and weightlifting.  He was voted “Most Shy” for the Class of 1987.  He was title winner for lifting the most in his class.  Among his many other awards, he’s now receiving the 2015 Distinguished Graduate award for Public Service.

Harry “Wayne” Wachsmuth, Class of 1987 graduate, is the recipient of the Public Service Distinguished Graduate award.  A Distinguished Graduate is someone who distinguishes himself in scholarship, research, in the community, or in society.

In high school, Wachsmuth was a part of the “I Can” club and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  He played on the Linganore football team for three years and was coached by Dave Carruthers. In college, he played Division II for the ONU Tigers as a wide receiver.  He has a son named Nathaniel, who is 20 years old and who aspires to be a U.S Marshall.

Wachsmuth had two favorite teachers in high school: English teacher Marie Slobojan and football coach Dave Carruthers.

“I really enjoyed English and I joined journalism because of Mrs. Slobojan,” says Wachsmuth.

Lieutenant Wayne Wachsmuth attended Olivet Nazarene University where he double-majored in Criminal Justice and Psychology.  After college, he joined the U.S. Navy and served for two years as an E-3 Seaman.

After serving in the Navy, Wachsmuth became a correctional officer II.  According to The Frederick News Post in October,  “Maryland State Police recently appointed Lt. Harry “Wayne” Wachsmuth to head the Frederick barrack after serving in the Frederick community for more than 12 years.”

As a barrack commander for Frederick County, Wachsmuth is in charge overseeing troopers and helping to prepare police officers for higher rankings.  He joins his colleagues and works in and out of the field to prevent crime and enforce laws.  

“Every day is a challenge, and every day is different,” says Wachsmuth

 Wachsmuth’s words of encouragement are “Never quit.”