LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Capt. Bonnie Payne has retired from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Detention and Rehabilitation Center after 25 years of service.
Sheriff Steve Hall called corrections “one of the toughest jobs in the agency” and praised Payne’s reliability and steady leadership over a career that spanned a quarter century.
On Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, Payne was formally recognized by the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County for her years of dedicated service. Later that week, she was honored at a retirement luncheon and saluted during a ceremony led by Sheriff Hall. During the presentation, she received a captain’s retirement badge, a final salute, and broadcast her last “10-42” — the end-of-tour radio transmission.
Colleagues said Payne’s professionalism and example reflected the agency’s values of commitment, integrity, and service. She was thanked for her service and wished a long and happy retirement.
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Congratulation Capt. Thank you for your service. Enjoy your retirement.
Captain Payne was one of the best correctional officers there was at that place she was very dedicated she cared about the inmates she treated us with respect and would go out of her way to help you in any way she could