February 9, 2021
In honor of Black History Month we celebrate Sheriff Joseph Lee Somerville Sr., who was the first African-American to be elected Sheriff in both the state of Maryland and in St. Mary’s County.
Sheriff Somerville began his career as a Deputy Sheriff with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office in 1966. At that time, Sheriff Somerville was also the first African-American Deputy Sheriff to join the agency. By 1976, Sheriff Somerville had earned the rank of Lieutenant. In March of 1977, Sheriff Somerville was appointed Sheriff by Maryland Governor Mandel to finish out the term of Sheriff George Sanger, who died during his term.