Former lawmaker, police chief Elmer Hagner dies

Elmer F. Hagner Jr., a former county police chief, state legislator and decorated World War II veteran, died of natural causes on Wednesday at Anne Arundel Medical Center. He was 85.

"He really did serve his community," said Sen. John Astle, D-Annapolis, who became chairman of the county delegation in the General Assembly after Mr. Hagner held the job for six terms.

A Democrat from Annapolis, Mr. Hagner "was a mentor and very open. This place should be filled with people of his character," Mr. Astle said.

When Mr. Hagner announced his retirement after 16 years of service on the last day of session on April 4, 1986, he...