Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich Nominates Assistant Chief Marc Yamada to Lead County Police Department – MocoFeed

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich has nominated Marc Yamada, assistant chief of the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD), to serve as the County’s next police chief. If approved by the County Council, Assistant Chief Yamada would become the County’s first Japanese-American police chief. He would assume the responsibilities following current Chief Marcus Jones’ retirement at the end of June.

Watch the recap here: Police Chief Nominee Announcement

“Assistant Chief Marc Yamada brings the skills and experience that we need to continue the great progress the department has made under Chief Jones’ leadership,” said County Executive Elrich. “Assistant Chief Yamada has been a steadfast advocate for modernizing our police force, fostering community trust, and ensuring that our officers have the resources and training they need. His vision for the future of policing is rooted in accountability and a deep respect for the diverse communities we serve. He also has strategic ideas to address MCPD’s top priority – closing our staffing deficit.”

Assistant Chief Yamada has been with MCPD for 35 years and has moved up the ranks, demonstrating exceptional leadership and a steadfast commitment to community safety. He has served as an assistant chief for three years. During his career with MCPD, he has overseen the Field Services Bureau and served as the District Four commander, captain for the Community Engagement Division and a duty commander.

Chief Jones praised the nomination of Assistant Chief Yamada.

“As I step down, I am proud to see the torch passed to Assistant Chief Marc Yamada,” said Chief Jones. “His dedication, experience and vision for the future of our department make him an exemplary choice as the 18th chief of police for Montgomery County. I am confident he will continue to uphold the values and integrity of our department.”

Currently serving as the assistant chief of the Field Services Bureau, Yamada oversees the Special Operations Division, SWAT, K9, SERT, Emergency Services, Unmanned Aerial Systems/Robotics, Traffic Operations Division, School Safety Section, Community Resource Bureau, Community Engagement Section, Crisis Response and Resources Section and the School Response Section.

“I thank Chief Jones for his leadership and a phenomenal 38-years. I want everyone to know that I am committed to upholding the highest standards that the previous police chiefs have set for the Montgomery County Police Department,” said Assistant Chief Marc Yamada. “Having served since 1988, I recognize that I am inheriting what I feel is the absolute gold standard of law enforcement agencies across the entire country.”

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Assistant Chief Yamada commanded the Fourth District Station (Wheaton area) from November of 2017 to June 2021, managing patrol operations for more than 180 sworn officers and nine civilian personnel. His previous roles included director of the Community Engagement Division, where he spearheaded the redesign of community engagement initiatives and strengthened relationships with various community groups and organizations.

With extensive experience in numerous areas in the department, Assistant Chief Yamada has held positions such as duty commander, deputy director of the Major Crimes Division and lieutenant, deputy commander of the Fourth District Station. Assistant Chief Yamada’s early career saw him working in the Special Investigations Division/Narcotics as a detective, corporal and sergeant. He has completed approximately 2,800 hours of specialized training and has been recognized with numerous awards. These honors include the J. Thomas Manger Award for Excellence in Leadership, the Medal of Valor, the Ethical Leadership Award Nominee and multiple unit citations. He has received Montgomery’s best customer service awards, outstanding performance awards and has been named “Police Officer of the Year” three times.

Assistant Chief Yamada has lived in Montgomery County, his entire life and currently resides in Brookeville with his wife of 32 years. He is father to four children. His oldest son is a seven-year member of MCPD.

The County’s new chief will have a major challenge to address recruitment and retainment by ensuring that the department has the necessary resources to serve and protect the community.

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