Big Foot’s Lasting Footprint: The Legacy of Daryl Buhrman and the BRPBA
In the annals of Baltimore policing, few names carry the weight of both duty and devotion like Daryl Buhrman—known affectionately by his peers as “Big Foot.” A towering presence on the streets of Charm City for nearly two decades, Buhrman’s legacy now stretches far beyond his patrol beat, into the heart of the Baltimore Retired Police Benevolent Association (BRPBA), where he has served as president and guiding force.
Buhrman joined the Baltimore Police Department in 1972 and retired in 1991 due to a line-of-duty injury that left him permanently disabled. Despite the physical toll, his commitment to the law enforcement community never waned. Now 79 years old and battling late-stage cancer, Buhrman remains the soul of the BRPBA—a lifeline for retired officers, their families, and the widows and children of those who served.
A Mission of Care: The Distress Fund
At the core of Buhrman’s leadership is the BRPBA Distress Fund, a program designed to provide financial assistance to members in hardship. Whether it’s helping a widow pay rent or supporting a dependent child through a crisis, Buhrman has made it his personal mission to ensure no one is left behind. Each month, he calls the executive board to order, followed by a general membership meeting where Distress Fund candidates and death benefit recipients are reviewed.
The death benefit program, another BRPBA hallmark, provides $1,250 to a member’s designated beneficiary upon their passing—a final gesture of solidarity from a community that once faced life-and-death decisions together on the streets.
A Dream Realized: The Scholarship Fund
Though illness has forced Buhrman to miss a few meetings, his influence remains palpable. In a quiet act of tribute, BRPBA board members recently gathered at Buhrman’s Harford County home to surprise him with the announcement of a new initiative: the Daryl Buhrman Scholarship Fund.
Long considered a pipe dream, the scholarship had struggled to gain traction among board members. But knowing it was Buhrman’s lasting wish, the board rallied. In a moment of joy and emotion, Buhrman was presented with the plan to award a $5,000 annual scholarship to the child or grandchild of an active BRPBA member.
Present at the impromptu gathering were Second Vice President Ken Dickstein, Trustee George Stiemly, Treasurer Dan Miller, Sergeant at Arms Ellis Baldwin, First Vice President Mike Wilhelm, and Board of Governors member Daniel Fickus—a testament to the respect and affection Buhrman commands.
Advocacy Beyond the Badge
Buhrman’s dedication extends beyond BRPBA. In 2025, he submitted testimony opposing Maryland Senate Bill 306, which threatened to reduce access to affordable prescription medications for disabled retirees like himself. “Through no fault of my own I got hurt,” he wrote, “and I should not have to go through the expense of paying for my medicines and wait to be reimbursed.” His words were not just personal—they were a rallying cry for justice and dignity for all disabled officers.
A Legacy Etched in Brotherhood
Daryl Buhrman’s story is not just one of service—it’s one of enduring brotherhood. From his nickname “Big Foot” to his quiet battles behind the scenes, he embodies the spirit of retired officers who continue to care for one another long after the sirens fade.
As the BRPBA moves forward with the scholarship fund and continues its mission of support, Buhrman’s footprint remains indelible. His leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to his fellow officers will echo through every meeting, every vote, and every life touched by the association he helped shape.
