HOWARD COUNTY, Md. (WBFF) — Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced the retirement of Police Chief Gregory Der, who has served in this role since January 2022.
Chief Der was appointed as the second police chief by Ball in November 2021.
“I have known Chief Der for nearly 20 years, and he has always stood out as a thoughtful, determined, and effective leader. This has remained the same during his tenure as Police Chief during the last four and a half years,” Ball stated in a press release.
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Chief Der began his career in law enforcement as a narcotics detective and patrol officer in 1997 with the Easton, Maryland, Police Department, and then joined the Howard County Police Department in 1999.
Prior to becoming the police chief, he served as the Chief Deputy to the Maryland State Fire Marshal, overseeing staff, supervisors, and managers at six regional offices across the state.
During his four and a half years as police chief, Der made significant contributions to public safety by improving transparency and expanding community services.
Some of his accomplishments include adding authorized positions, implementing innovative recruitment strategies such as the FastTrack Hiring Process, launching a Body-Worn Camera program, doubling the number of taser devices, establishing a full-time police unit at the Mall in Columbia and the Columbia Lakefront, successfully resolving multiple cold cases, and assisting the traffic management division in launching four innovative online dashboards, which provide the public with regularly updated information about crime reports, traffic stops, complaints against officers, and use-of-force incidents.
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“After four and a half years of serving as Chief of Police, I am announcing my retirement with a deep sense of gratitude and pride. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to County Executive Calvin Ball for his steadfast support, leadership, and commitment to public safety. This partnership has been invaluable, and I am grateful for the trust he placed in me and in this department,” Chief Def said in a press release. “It has been an honor to serve the HCPD alongside such dedicated, capable, and compassionate members of this agency. Every day, they demonstrate professionalism, resilience, and a true commitment to the community we are privileged to protect. The work they do does not go unnoticed, and I am incredibly proud of all that we have accomplished together.”
As Chief Der prepares to step away from his role, he said he purchased a home in Florida and looks forward to spending more time with his grandchild.
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