Maj. Wayne Livesay, who oversees day-to-day operations of the Howard County Police Department, will become the county's next police chief on Saturday, said County Executive Charles I. Ecker.
Howard County police officers applauded the move, saying they were getting a demanding boss with "road cop" instincts who also understands the dynamics of Howard County.
Livesay replaces Chief James N. Robey, who is retiring Friday to run for county executive.
"He's a good cop and a people person," Ecker said. "Those qualities are what make a good police chief."
Livesay, 46, will be acting police chief during Ecker's remaining year in office. Ecker said he wanted to leave the permanent choice -- which could be Livesay -- to his successor.
Ecker said he faced an agonizing decision: Livesay or Maj. Mark Paterni, who heads the department's administrative arm.
Ecker and high-ranking police officers said both majors were excellent choices, but Livesay offered more operational experience and played an important role in key community policing programs.
"He's had more of an opportunity in that area," Ecker said. "Major Paterni didn't have that. But both men would make excellent chiefs."
Howard County police officers said they were pleased that they were getting a chief with 25 years of police experience in Howard County.
Pub Date: 1/06/98
