New Anne Arundel County Executive To Replace Police, Fire Chiefs
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ)—New Anne Arundel County executive-elect Steve Schuh will replace the county's police and fire chiefs when sworn into office next month.
Anne Arundel County Police Chief Kevin Davis says he's stepping down effective Dec. 1.
"The incoming administration has informed me they are heading in a different direction, and I respect the county executive-elect's decision to form his own leadership team," Davis said in a release.
Davis has served as chief of police under current Anne Arundel County Executive Laura Neuman for a year and half.
Fire Chief Michael Cox also released a statement Tuesday morning:
"I was notified this morning by the County Executive Elect Steve Schuh that I would not be retained into the next administration. I took the reins 18 months ago during a turbulent time for our Department with poor labor relations, lack of fiscal prudence, poor response times, areas with unacceptable ISO ratings, and a lack of diversity in the hiring process."
Neuman, who was appointed by the County Council in February to replace disgraced former County Executive John Leopold, was defeated in the Primary by Schuh.
"Public safety has been this administration's top priority from day one, evidenced by the countless improvements made by our police and fire departments over the last two years in keeping our citizens safe. Chief of Police Kevin Davis and Fire Chief Michael E. Cox, Jr. both stepped into their roles at times when their respective departments were in need of strong ethical leadership, " she said.
She added that under Davis' tenure, "morale was boosted and integrity was restored across our Police Department. Additionally, the department has grown to an authorized strength of 710, the largest in county history; seen an overall decrease in crime in both 2013 and 2014; and become one of the first in the region to equip its officers with Narcan, used to reverse heroin overdose."
She also discussed Cox's accomplishments, saying "previously strained relations between our career and volunteer firefighters were restored. Our Fire Department has also reduced average paramedic response times by approximately 27 percent; reduced call processing times by approximately 50 percent; placed 10 additional ambulances in service throughout the county; and increased fire personnel and restructured the fire academy recruit class to more quickly assign pre-trained personnel."
"Chiefs Cox and Davis' departure will be a great loss for Anne Arundel County. I am incredibly proud and appreciative of their dedicated service in transforming our police and fire departments into outstanding organizations that have brought pride to our county," Neuman added. "It is my hope that the chiefs appointed by the incoming county executive will continue the excellent work begun in our public safety sector during this administration."
Cox thanked everyone for allowing him to serve.
"I would like to thank County Executive Laura Neuman, members of the County Council, the career and volunteer members of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department, and the citizens of Anne Arundel County for the honor and privilege to serve as the County's tenth Fire Chief. As a lifelong resident of the County I will continue to support the Department. "
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