Updated: A former commander of the Bethesda district of Montgomery County Police has been named acting police chief.
Assistant Chief Russell E. Hamill III took over the 1,300-officer department Sunday following the retirement of J. Thomas Manger, whose last day in the office was Friday.
The 57-year-old Hamill is in a retirement program that prevents him from taking the job on a permanent basis.
“I’ve already made it clear to the staff that I don’t intend on just being a placeholder,” Hamill said. “The business of the police department continues, our responsibility to the community continues. We will not stand pat while the selection process goes on, we will continue to move forward.”
Hamill didn’t want to reveal a specific plan of action before speaking with his staff about the topic, but said community outreach is a continuous issue and the department has to constantly nurture the relationship between residents and officers.
Hamill, a lifelong county resident who has a law degree from Howard University, has been with the department since 1986, and has served as assistant chief since September 2011.
“He’s got such a varied career here, he’s been in a lot of different units where he’s really been able to develop a very diverse resume,” said Capt. Paul Liquorie, commander of the Bethesda district. “He’s been able to see a lot, he’s got a lot of experience in many different aspects of policing.”
Hamill started as a patrol officer in the Rockville district before becoming a detective in the Special Investigations Division. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1994, working in the Drug Enforcement Section of the Special Investigations Division. He also spent time as a shift sergeant in the Bethesda district.
Hamill returned to the Rockville district as a lieutenant in 2001 an was promoted to captain three years later. He assumed command of the Bethesda district in 2007, where he served until his promotion to assistant chief.
Liquorie worked with Hamill during his stint as Director of the Criminal Investigations Division, which began in November 2004.
“He’ll steer the ship until we get whoever our new leadership is, I think he was a good pick to be that interim chief,” Liquorie said.
The county is conducting a nationwide search to replace Manger.
Manger’s retirement after 15 years ended the second-longest tenure as chief in the department’s 97-year history. After 42 years of service, he will move on to an expanded role with the Major Cities Chiefs Association.
County Executive Marc Elrich has said a “wide variety of people” will be involved in the selection process for a new chief, with input from residents closely considered.
The county released an online survey last week asking residents what qualities they want in the next police chief. The anonymous questionnaire is available until 6 p.m. April 5.
“Somebody that would maintain and build upon our continued excellence in serving our community,” Hamill said of his ideal candidate. “The community has high expectations for this police department, as well they should, and we need to meet and exceed those expectations.”
The County Council sent a letter to Elrich urging transparency in the search process, with at-large council member Will Jawando calling Manger’s retirement “a unique opportunity” to improve relations between the department and the community.
Manger will be recognized by the Montgomery County Police Foundation at its inaugural Leadership Legacy Dinner in October. The nonprofit will also award scholarships in his name to a pair of officers.
Manger received a Public Safety Award for Excellence at the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Public Safety Awards luncheon on March 15.
“His leaving the department will be hard for us to manage, but we’re going to manage it,” Hamill said. “As a leader like Chief Manger, you leave the department with the ability to continue on and do even better when you leave … which is really the sign of an excellent leader.”
This story was updated from a Monday morning posting, “County Appoints Police Interim Chief,” to include comments from the acting chief of police.
Charlie Wright can be reached at charlie.wright@moco360.media
