Virginia Police Chief Picked To Lead Department in Maryland
FREDERICK, Md. (AP) -- Mayor Randy McClement has chosen the police chief in Portsmouth, Virginia, to lead the Frederick Police Department in Maryland.
McClement announced the appointment of Edward Hargis (HAR'-jiss) as police chief Thursday. He succeeds Thomas Ledwell, who retired in September after about 22 months in the position.
Hargis takes over from Acting Chief Patrick Grossman on July 27.
Hargis has served as chief of police in Portsmouth for six years. McClement says he has focused on crime reduction and community engagement.
Hargis says today's law enforcement agencies must make every effort to develop trust and transparency with citizens.
Portsmouth is a city of about 96,000 people near Norfolk, Virginia.
Frederick is a fast-growing city of about 68,000 located about 45 miles from both Baltimore and Washington.
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