Photo by Sam Yu Officer First Class Chris McLoughlin of the Thurmont Police Department pulls information from his patrol car's computer during a traffic stop between midnight and 1 a.m. recently.

He springs into action, chasing the car at speeds well beyond the normal Main Street limit.

It only takes McLoughlin a block and a half to catch the man with the absent plate.

Maryland law requires vehicles to have a front tag and a rear tag.

McLoughlin takes the man’s license and registration and uses his cruiser’s computer to check if the driver has any outstanding warrants or a suspended license. Everything checks out all right, so he lets the man go with just a warning.

A pull-over for a missing license plate might not seem all that exciting, but McLoughlin likes it when things are simple. It’s a break from his late night routine of filling out paperwork and checking to make sure local businesses are locked tight for the night.

McLoughlin has been with the department for 12 years and loves what he does. He loves Thurmont and believes he makes a difference in the community. He wants to continue to keep the town secure for everyone.

“(I) try to change the bad kids and keep the good ones safe,” he said. “(Police) are not out to hurt anyone or to make enemies.”