Paul Hajek, age 68, retired Lieutenant of the Howard County Police Department, took unscheduled leave without notice January 5, 2016.

Paul was born on December 06, 1947 in Berlin Germany to James W. Hajek Sr. and Audrey F. Hajek (nee Decker). He served a 23 year career with the Howard County Police Department, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant. During his career he served in Vice and Narcotics, was awarded the John Eager Howard Award for Valor, and graduated from both the FBI Naval Academy and the DEA National Academy. Following his retirement, he continued to serve the public in positions with the Maryland Emergency Management Agency and the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission. Paul only got to enjoy his retirement for 4 short months, but in that time he did manage to greatly increase his collection of tie-dyes and to grow an admirable goatee.


He married Leila Lee Hajek (nee Luckett), a fellow Howard County Police Officer, in 1972. After moving to Woodbine, MD, Paul set aside his city-boy nature for his wife’s love of farm life and horses. In the great compromise, he got a large garage to pursue his love of restoring Mopar muscle cars and building things that were unreasonably fast and loud and possibly not street legal. His children remember him as a charmingly impatient yet good natured father with a witty sense of humor who encouraged them to pursue their goals without limit.

Paul is survived by his wife, Leila Lee Hajek of Woodbine Maryland, son Tyler Ladd of Hanover Pennsylvania, daughter Christine Hajek of Mount Airy Maryland, daughter Susan Kelley of Ellicott City Maryland, daughter Lora Holland of Ocean City Maryland, sister Cathy Thomas of Columbia Maryland, and brother James Hajek Jr. of Eldersburg Maryland. He is preceded in death by parents James Hajek Sr. and Audrey Hajek, who in death are likely still not speaking.

Viewings are scheduled for Saturday January 9 at 3p-5p and 7p-9p, as well as Sunday January 10 at 2p-4p, at Burrier-Queen in Winfield Maryland. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday at 4pm, Rev. Mimi Matthews will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Paul's life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Equipment Connections for Children, 12909 Barleycorn Terrace, Germantown, MD 20874.

Condolences can be sent to www.burrier-queen.com, or may be mailed to the family at Hajek Family, 17250 Old Frederick Road, Mount Airy MD 21771.

A funeral for close friends and family will be held Monday January 11 at 10am at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in Mount Airy, Maryland, with private interment to follow at Crestlawn Cemetery.