Photo: Doug Kapustin/Baltimore Sun Media Group
After retiring from the police force last January, former Howard County, Maryland police captain Lisa Myers is returning to work as the county’s first woman and first African American police chief, reports WBLA TV.
County Executive Calvin Ball appointed Myers, who first began her career in a civilian position with the department in 1990, to the role earlier this week.
“It’s huge, an exciting opportunity,” she said. “It demonstrates a breaking of the glass ceiling for women and minorities.”
In her new position, the 52-year-old will join Ball, Sheriff Marcus Harris and State’s Attorney Rich Gibson as the first African-Americans to serve in their respective roles in Howard County.
“It’s important that people see our police department and leadership reflect the diversity of the community,” said Myers in regards to her new role and the role of her peers.
As police chief, Myers says one of her first priorities will be to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the department to ensure officers have the training and equipment needed for emergencies ranging from an active shooter to extreme weather. She said she also plans to build on the department’s current efforts to combat the local opioid crisis and to improve the mental health unit.
County Council Chairwoman Christiana Mercer Rigby praised Myers for her new appointment, saying she “brings a diversity of experience and an eye toward moving the county’s police department forward.”
“She is exactly the type of leader we need in our community,” adds Rigby, “one who works collaboratively with officers and residents to strengthen safety and trust in Howard County.”
Myers will officially step into her new role on February 1, replacing former chief Gary Gardner who retired at the end of 2018.