"Heroes Live Forever" - the story of Maryland State Trooper Ed Toatley

McLean, VA (January 28, 2025) - Ed Toatley wanted to make a drug buy and he knew a local drug dealer named Kofi Orleans-Lindsay who could get him what he needed. At around 8 p.m. on October 30, 2000, Toatley and Orleans-Lindsay met at a Maryland subway station to do the transaction. They left for the stash house where Orleans-Lindsay kept his drugs. Toatley gave the drug dealer $3,500, but no drugs were exchanged. Instead, the twice convicted felon pulled a gun and shot the undercover Maryland State Trooper at close range. Orleans-Lindsay fled to New York City but, like virtually all cop killers, he was soon arrested. Responding to reports that Orleans-Lindsay had bragged he would never be caught, Maryland State Police Superintendent David Mitchell declared, “Joke’s on you, Kofi,” as he announced the arrest. Because it helped rid his community of drugs, Ed Toatley, a 16-year veteran of the Maryland State Police, was willing to put himself in harm’s way. Unfortunately, that courageous and selfless attitude cost him his life. Listen to the podcast to learn more about this fallen hero.Citizens Behind the Badge now communicates through Substack! Please share this post and encourage other law enforcement officers and supporters to subscribe for free and receive news and updates. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com