MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (7News) — Newly appointed Acting Montgomery County Police Chief Darren Franckesaid the department will remain focused on public safety and continuity following the sudden resignation of Chief Marc Yamada amid findings from an inspector general’s investigation.
Yamada resigned Friday after an investigation concluded he had not been truthful about some of his actions, failed to properly record leave time, and was observed drinking at a golf tournament while technically on duty.
County Executive Marc Elrich immediately appointed Francke, a longtime department leader and assistant chief, to serve as acting chief.
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“I’m certain he will do fine in this position, and the next appointee will come with the next county executive,” Elrich said. “I’m not going to try to appoint someone.”
The leadership change marks an unusual period of turbulence for the Montgomery County Police Department, where recent chiefs have left through planned retirements rather than sudden departures.
Speaking from his office this week, Francke said one of his first priorities was reassuring both employees and residents that the department’s mission would not be disrupted.
“We immediately went into action to, number one, reassure the folks that are here that everything will continue on, and we’re not going to stand still,” Francke said.
See the full interview with Francke below:
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He also emphasized that patrol officers and emergency responders remain focused on serving residents despite the controversy surrounding the former chief.
“To the community itself, the men and women that are answering the calls for service, that are answering 911, they’re still out there, they’re still engaged,” Francke said. “They’re still doing the great work they’ve done for years, even in all this turmoil.”
Francke has spent his career with the Montgomery County Police Department and has served as an assistant chief for the past five years. He said his experience has prepared him for the department’s top leadership role and that officers and civilian staff remain committed to carrying out their responsibilities.
“We will continue on the premise that patrol is the backbone of the department, and the rest of us serve to support those folks because that’s where we really make a difference,” Francke said.
While acknowledging concerns identified by the inspector general, Francke said internal improvements would be addressed quickly while frontline police operations continue unchanged.
“There’s things we need to fix internally; the IG has indicated that, and we’re going to do that in quick order,” Francke said. “But the things we do out on the road, the men and women out there, they aren’t going to change. They swore an oath, and they’re going to continue protecting this community and doing the things they need to do to make sure everyone in this community is safe.”
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