Retired Md. Trooper Named UMES Police Chief

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. (AP) -- The University of Maryland Eastern shore has picked a law enforcer with nearly three decades of experience in state and local policing to be its new director of public safety.

Ernest Leatherbury Jr. starts July 1 in his new post at UMES. The Somerset County native who retired a year ago from Maryland State Police replaces Warner Sumpter, who served as chief for five years.

Leatherbury served 28 years with the state police leading barracks in Westminster, Princess Anne and Salisbury. He served a year as police chief in Crisfield, where his father once served as the top law enforcement officer.

Leatherbury, a native of Princess Anne, will oversee a $1.9 million budget and 16 sworn officers and 44 security guards.

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