01-28-2007, 10:10 PM
Annapolis, Maryland ?Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary-Designate John R. Griffin today announced the selection of Anne Arundel County law enforcement veteran George F. Johnson, IV, to serve as superintendent of the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) effective immediately. An integral part of the state?s natural resource agency, the NRP is responsible for enforcing conservation and boating safety laws, and also supports Maryland?s maritime homeland security efforts.
?The NRP Superintendent is a critical leadership position within DNR,? said Griffin. ?George will be a major asset as we move forward under the new Administration in support of our agency?s critical mission. I am looking forward to working with him and couldn?t be more pleased to have him coming on board.?
A 22-year Anne Arundel County Police veteran, Johnson was elected County sheriff in 1994, ultimately serving three consecutive 4-year terms through 2006. Most recently, he was the Democratic candidate for Anne Arundel County Executive in November?s election.
?I am honored to have been asked to serve the O?Malley-Brown Administration and the people of Maryland,? said Johnson. ?The opportunity to combine my law enforcement experience with my passion for our state?s natural resources is the best scenario I can imagine, and I am excited to be joining DNR?s leadership team as an advocate for the department?s conservation mission.?
Griffinplans to formally introduce Johnson to his new staff at ChesapeakeCollegeon Friday morning, at a ceremony graduating 17 new Natural Resources Police officers.
?George is a highly competent and seasoned professional, and we are honored that he has agreed to serve the people of our state," said Governor Martin O?Malley. ?He is well known and well respected in law enforcement circles for his leadership and fiscal responsibility, and I look forward to working with him and Secretary Griffin to improve the services of the Maryland Natural Resources Police."
Johnson has a degree in criminal justice and is a graduate of the National Sheriff?s Institute and the FBINationalAcademy. Outgoing NRP Superintendent Mark S. Chaney, who is leaving state service to pursue other career opportunities, has held the position since June 1, 2004.
The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) is the enforcement arm of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). With an authorized strength of 280 officers and a dedicated staff of civilian and volunteer personnel, the NRP provide a variety of services in addition to conservation and boating law enforcement duties throughout the State of Maryland. These services include homeland security, search and rescue, emergency medical services, education, information and communications services on a round the clock basis. NRP is the only police force aside from the Maryland State Police that has statewide jurisdiction.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half millionacres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov
Media Contact:
Aaron Kraus<br />
(410) 260-8016 office<br />
akraus@dnr.state.md.us
?The NRP Superintendent is a critical leadership position within DNR,? said Griffin. ?George will be a major asset as we move forward under the new Administration in support of our agency?s critical mission. I am looking forward to working with him and couldn?t be more pleased to have him coming on board.?
A 22-year Anne Arundel County Police veteran, Johnson was elected County sheriff in 1994, ultimately serving three consecutive 4-year terms through 2006. Most recently, he was the Democratic candidate for Anne Arundel County Executive in November?s election.
?I am honored to have been asked to serve the O?Malley-Brown Administration and the people of Maryland,? said Johnson. ?The opportunity to combine my law enforcement experience with my passion for our state?s natural resources is the best scenario I can imagine, and I am excited to be joining DNR?s leadership team as an advocate for the department?s conservation mission.?
Griffinplans to formally introduce Johnson to his new staff at ChesapeakeCollegeon Friday morning, at a ceremony graduating 17 new Natural Resources Police officers.
?George is a highly competent and seasoned professional, and we are honored that he has agreed to serve the people of our state," said Governor Martin O?Malley. ?He is well known and well respected in law enforcement circles for his leadership and fiscal responsibility, and I look forward to working with him and Secretary Griffin to improve the services of the Maryland Natural Resources Police."
Johnson has a degree in criminal justice and is a graduate of the National Sheriff?s Institute and the FBINationalAcademy. Outgoing NRP Superintendent Mark S. Chaney, who is leaving state service to pursue other career opportunities, has held the position since June 1, 2004.
The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) is the enforcement arm of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). With an authorized strength of 280 officers and a dedicated staff of civilian and volunteer personnel, the NRP provide a variety of services in addition to conservation and boating law enforcement duties throughout the State of Maryland. These services include homeland security, search and rescue, emergency medical services, education, information and communications services on a round the clock basis. NRP is the only police force aside from the Maryland State Police that has statewide jurisdiction.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half millionacres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov
Media Contact:
Aaron Kraus<br />
(410) 260-8016 office<br />
akraus@dnr.state.md.us