Fallen Harford County Sheriff’s Deputy Honored Through Final Gift to Medical Education

Uniformed Services University receives anatomical donation from longtime law enforcement officer dedicated to helping others learn.

Members of the Harford County (Md.) Sheriff’s Office render honors as Sgt. George “Greg” Dietz’s

flag-draped casket is brought into the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, Maryland. Sgt. Dietz’s

body was donated to USU’s Anatomical Gift Program after his sudden passing on June 30, 2025.

(Photo by Thomas Balfour)

July 9, 2025 by Sharon Holland

Members of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, Uniformed Services University (USU), and military personnel gathered solemnly on July 2 to honor the life and final act of service of Sgt. George Gregory “Greg” Dietz, a 27-year veteran of law enforcement who passed away suddenly on June 30, 2025, following his shift at work. 

Dietz served the people of Harford County, Maryland, with distinction across nearly three decades in the Sheriff’s Office. His career included assignments in patrol services, work as a school resource officer, and supervisory roles in the criminal investigations and court services divisions. Most recently, he served as a supervisor in the Civil Unit—a role marked by quiet professionalism and commitment to the community.

A representative of the Harford County (Md.) Sheriff’s Office carefully folds the American flag following

the dignified transfer of Sgt. George “Greg” Dietz’s remains to the Uniformed Services University. Ronald 

Rivenburgh (right), curator of USU’s Anatomical Gift Program, looks on during the moving tribute honoring 

Dietz’s final act of service. (Photo by Thomas Balfour)

But even in death, Sgt. Dietz found a way to serve others. He loved to teach and wanted to continue doing so by way of anatomical donation after death. Shortly after he passed away, his wife, Amy, inquired about donating his body to the USU Anatomical Gift Program, which supports the education and training of the next generation of military healthcare providers. His legacy will directly benefit medical students preparing for careers in the Military Health System, helping them to develop the hands-on anatomical knowledge essential to becoming skilled and compassionate military doctors.

On July 2, an honor escort of motorcycles from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office accompanied Sgt. Dietz’s body on its final journey to the USU campus in Bethesda, Maryland. There, University President Dr. Jonathan Woodson, alongside uniformed military officers, enlisted service members, faculty, and staff, stood in silent formation to pay their respects.

“We were deeply honored to receive Sgt. Dietz with the dignity and gratitude he deserves,” said Dr. Woodson. “His selfless gift will shape the education of our future military physicians—an extraordinary act of public service that continues beyond his distinguished law enforcement career.”

USU President Dr. Jonathan Woodson greets Mrs. Amy Dietz, widow of Sgt. George “Greg” Dietz, during a

solemn moment following the arrival of her husband’s body at the Uniformed Services University. Sgt. Dietz

donated his body to USU to support the education of future military medical professionals.

(Photo by Thomas Balfour)