Council Votes to Retain Police Chief

Police Chief will remain in her role as the city's top cop for at least three more years after her contract was renewed at Monday's city council meeting.

Walter, who came to Havre de Grace as police chief in July 2005 after retiring from the Harford County Sheriff's Office, was showered with praise from council and the mayor, but deflected the praise to her officers.

"Without their hard work I wouldn't be a success and we wouldn't be as successful as we have been," Walter said.

The amendment to the original contract was approved by a unanimous vote.

Mayor Wayne Dougherty said, "I want to thank you very much for all you've done, all you continue to do. It's great to have you here another three years. I know for a fact that council was very positive in their comments about you. The citizens are very positive in their comments about you. I know you have a very tough job, and I know the officers in your command have a very tough job. I know it's often a thankless job."

Walter has been praised for her efforts to clean up drug dealing and serious crime in the city. Currently, her officers are proactively patrolling the city's downtown area to dissuade thefts and other property crime that escalate during the holidays.

"It's more than deserved," City Council President Bill Martin said. "I've lived in some bad places in my time, and I think Havre de Grace is a safe city. I want to thank you for that. And the officers that work for you."

Walter makes it a priority to attend meetings and events around the city, including Friday's Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting, where she was in uniform providing support along the parade route.

The city's Manager of Tourism and Marketing, Brigitte Peters, told Walters, "You have the best team of all. You always have the safety of our citizens first and foremost. As my daughter says, you rock."