The County Council will interview police chief nominee and current Assistant Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) Chief Marc Yamada on June 11. The Council has also scheduled an interview with fire chief nominee and former City of Alexandria fire chief Corey Smedley for June 25.
County Executive Marc Elrich announced both nominations last month. Yamada’s nomination came after Police Chief Marcus Jones announced his retirement, effective July 1.
In a media availability briefing, Council President Friedson said the Council plans to discuss recruitment efforts, retention issues and technology’s role in modern policing practices with Yamada during his interview.
“We are moving with due haste with both of those nominations and look forward to continued and robust conversations,” Friedson added.
If confirmed by the Council, Yamada would become the first Japanese American to serve as the County’s police chief.
Yamada has been with MCPD since 1988 and brings over thirty years of experience to the force. He previously oversaw the Field Services Bureau and was commander of the 4th District in the Wheaton area. Yamada also has deep ties here, as he currently lives in Olney and graduated from Wheaton High School.
Smedley has most recently served as Prince George’s County Deputy Fire Chief. He began his career in the U.S. Army Reserve and has more than 30 years of experience in the field. Before his time with Prince George’s County, Smedley was the City of Alexandria’s Fire and EMS Chief.
If confirmed, Smedley would be the first Fire Chief to be appointed from outside the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) and the County’s first African American fire chief.
As part of the final stages of the appointment process, both nominees will face a confirmation hearing and formal vote.
