- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Easton Today
By the People, for the People
Howard County Police Chief Gregory Der Announces Retirement
Der served as police chief since 2022 after over 19 years with the department.
Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:53am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Howard County Police Chief Gregory Der is retiring, County Executive Calvin Ball announced on Wednesday. Der was appointed as the county's police chief in November 2021 and assumed the role on Jan. 1, 2022. He started his career in 1997 as a narcotics detective and patrol officer with the Easton, Maryland, Police Department before joining the Howard County Police Department in 1999.
Why it matters
Der's retirement marks a significant transition for the Howard County Police Department, which he has led for the past four and a half years. His departure comes as police departments across the country face increasing challenges and scrutiny, making his steady leadership an important factor in the department's and community's progress.
The details
During his tenure, Der served in various roles including school resource officer, hostage negotiator, property crimes detective, and fire and explosives investigator prior to becoming police chief. He received numerous honors and commendations for his service, including five unit citations, two certificates of appreciation, 11 commendation certificates, an investigative award, and numerous memorandums of recognition and letters of appreciation.
- Der was appointed as Howard County Police Chief in November 2021.
- Der assumed the role of police chief on January 1, 2022.
- Der announced his retirement on April 2, 2026.
The players
Gregory Der
The retiring Howard County Police Chief who served in the role since 2022 after over 19 years with the department.
Calvin Ball
The Howard County Executive who announced Der's retirement and praised his leadership and dedication to the police department.
Easton Police Department
The Maryland police department where Der began his career in 1997 as a narcotics detective and patrol officer before joining the Howard County Police Department in 1999.
Howard County Police Department
The police department that Der has served for over 19 years, including the last four and a half years as police chief.
What they’re saying
“After four and a half years of serving as Chief of Police, I am announcing my retirement with a deep sense of gratitude and pride. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to County Executive Calvin Ball for his steadfast support, leadership, and commitment to public safety. This partnership has been invaluable, and I am grateful for the trust he placed in me and in this department. It has been an honor to serve the HCPD alongside such dedicated, capable, and compassionate members of this agency. Every day, they demonstrate professionalism, resilience, and a true commitment to the community we are privileged to protect. The work they do does not go unnoticed, and I am incredibly proud of all that we have accomplished together.”
— Gregory Der, Retiring Howard County Police Chief
“I have known Chief Der for nearly 20 years, and he has always stood out as a thoughtful, determined, and effective leader. This has remained the same during his tenure as Police Chief during the last four and a half years. Many of our officers are involved in stressful, difficult, argumentative, and dangerous situations, often with strangers, going into situations with people who may be having one of the worst days of their lives. Oftentimes their success is quiet, and so I want to especially thank those that have faced the increasing challenges and obstacles of policing in recent years. During his tenure, Chief Der has remained a steadfast leader in helping to move our police department and our community forward. His leadership traits and his ability to build strong bonds with the community made him the right person for the job, and I'm grateful for his service to our community. I wish him the absolute best in his future endeavors.”
— Calvin Ball, Howard County Executive
What’s next
Additional information on an interim police chief to replace Der will be released at a later date.
The takeaway
Chief Der's retirement after over 19 years of service to the Howard County Police Department marks the end of a steady and respected era of leadership, as the department navigates the increasing challenges facing law enforcement in recent years. His commitment to the community and ability to build strong relationships will be missed.
