Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services - Division of Correction, Maryland
End of Watch Saturday, October 6, 1984
Add to My HeroesHerman Lester Toulson, Jr.
Officer Herman Toulson was stabbed to death at the Maryland State Penitentiary as he and another guard attempted to return several inmates to their cells.
The guards were attacked with homemade knives, and Officer Toulson received fatal stab wounds. A second officer was also wounded in the attack.
The suspect, a 25-year-old convicted murderer, was convicted of Officer Toulson's murder and sentenced to serve 66 years for the stabbing.
Officer Toulson was a decorated United States Army Vietnam War veteran and had served with the Maryland Division of Correction for seven years. He was survived by his wife, three daughters, two sons, parents, two sisters, and four brothers.
Bio
- Age 39
- Tour 7 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Stabbed
- Weapon Edged weapon; Shank
- Offender Sentenced to 66 years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 22 ReflectionsOfficer Toulson,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served in Vietnam. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)
October 6, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths

Officer Miguel Cano
California Highway Patrol, CA
EOW: July 2, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Devin Mason
Darlington County Sheriff's Office, SC
EOW: July 1, 2025

Detention Officer Francisco Paul Flattes
Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: June 30, 2025

Police Officer Kelvin Patrick
Detroit Police Department, MI
EOW: February 6, 2025

Supervisory Special Agent Dennis M. Wagner, Jr.
United States Department of Justice - Federal Bureau of Investigation, US
EOW: March 5, 2025

Police Officer Kendall Corder
Milwaukee Police Department, WI
EOW: June 29, 2025

Undersheriff Brandon Gaede
Phillips County Sheriff's Office, KS
EOW: June 27, 2025

Sergeant Shiou Deng
Los Angeles Police Department, CA
EOW: June 23, 2025

Lieutenant Eddie Mays
Bernie Police Department, MO
EOW: June 5, 2025