Riverdale Park Police Promote Officers, Welcome New Chief

It was a big night for the Riverdale Park Police Department Tuesday, when the mayor and Capt. Patrick Timmons recognized seven officers for their recent promotion and council voted to approve Prince George's County Police Maj. as the town's new police chief.

These officers now rank in the following positions:

• Sergeant Jeremy Emerick  
• Sergeant German Garcia  
• Corporal Joseph Sommerville  
• Corporal Walter Bustamante  
• Corporal Jeffery Prawdzik  
• Private First Class Job Blanco  

According to Lt. Robert Turner, the promotions went into effect on July 11.

Council also voted to approve Morris as the town's new police chief, replacing the vacancy Teresa Chambers left when she was reinstated as the chief of the U.S. Park Police nine months ago.

Although council had met with Morris and seemed favorable to his appointment, several members of PGPD spoke in favor of Morris, including PGPD Chief Mark Magaw.

"It’s my pleasure to be here this evening to speak to Morris' nomination," Magaw said. "I’ve known Morris for years, and Prince George's County Police Department's loss will be Riverdale Park's gain."

He discussed how Morris rose in their ranks from a patrol officer and K9 lieutenant to a major. Magaw said Morris brought dedication, professionalism and discipline to the job.

"He's leadership ability is second to none," Magaw added.

Three other members of the Prince George's Police Department also spoke in Morris' favor in front of the council.

"I also consider quite an honor to be standing here in front of newly promoted police officers in a well respected police department," Morris said. 

Council voted for his approval unanimously. Mayor Vernon Archer said his approximate start date would be Sept. 19.