Marc Yamada is confirmed as Montgomery County’s new police chief following Tuesday’s unanimous County Council vote.
MoCo360 reported on Tuesday that Yamada, who lives in Brookeville and is a 35-year veteran of the MCPD, will become the department’s 18th police chief, marking the first time an Asian American will hold the position.
“I appreciate the County Council’s unanimous vote to confirm Marc Yamada as our next Chief of the Montgomery County Police Department,” Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich said in a press release. “Marc is the right person to lead the department, and I look forward to working closely with him to build upon the efforts already underway to enhance MCPD. Together, we will address key issues, including closing our staffing deficit. His deep knowledge of the department, the County, and our residents will enable him to hit the ground running. I look forward to working with him to keep our community safe.”
The Council confirms Marc Yamada as Montgomery County’s incoming chief of police. County Executive Elrich officially nominated Yamada for the post on May 3. Incoming Chief Yamada is a distinguished public safety professional with more than three decades of experience with MCPD. pic.twitter.com/asQRqpvHsL
— Montgomery Council (@MoCoCouncilMD) June 18, 2024
Yamada grew up in Wheaton and attended local public schools, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Management/Marketing from Frostburg State University in 1987.
In his current role as Assistant Chief of the Field Services Bureau, Yamada oversees several critical units, including the Special Operations Division, SWAT, K9, SRT, 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.
Yamada previously served as the commander of the 4th District Station in the Wheaton area from 2017 to 2021, managing patrol operations for over 180 officers and nine civilians. Yamada also led the Community Engagement Division, which focused on enhancing community initiatives and relationships.
Additionally, Yamada has held other roles, such as duty commander, deputy director of major crimes, and lieutenant/deputy commander of the 4th District station.
“I am excited and humbled to have been selected to take on this important position,” Yamada said. “To have a chance to make a significant impact on the people and communities where I grow up is a dream come true. I want the people of Montgomery County to know that I will do my best to make this department the best it can be for those who live, work or visit here. I look forward to strengthening MCPDs’ partnership with community members, businesses and others. The more we work together, the safer Montgomery County will be.”
Yamada, who joined the MCPD in 1988, will officially assume his new role on July 1, following the retirement of current Chief Marcus Jones.
Photo: © Carsten Reisinger – stock.adobe.com / MCPD Graphic