Montgomery Co. Police Chief Awarded For His Work To Protect Immigrants

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department received a prestigious award from the National Immigration Forum (N.I.F.) to honor his work in ensuring the public safety of immigrants in his community.

Manger was awarded the Keeper of the American Dream Award on Oct. 5. According to the N.I.F., Keepers of the American Dream are "the heroes who embody the spirit of immigrant achievement, contribute significantly to the well-being of immigrants in the United States, and are advocates, in every sense of the word, for the value of immigrants and immigration to the nation."

Manger, along with fellow honoree Chief Art Acevedo of Houston, head the forum's Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force. This task force includes police chiefs and sheriffs from across the country who are handling public safety in immigrant communities, according to a press release from Montgomery County Police.

"Chief Manger has influenced well-thought out positions that balance law enforcement’s duty to uphold the rights of all, work with federal partners, earn and maintain the community’s trust, and most of all, keep everyone in the community safe," the press release states.

Manger is the co-chair of the Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force and the President of the Major Cities Chiefs Association, which represents the largest law enforcement agencies in the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom.

Manger has received numerous awards during his tenure at the Fairfax County Virginia Police Department, including the Silver Medal of Valor. He became the Chief of Police in Montgomery County in February 2004.

The forum was held at the JW Marriott at 1331 Pennsylvania Ave. in Washington, D.C. Oct. 5.

Photo: Michael Gonda – Chobani Senior Vice President for Corporate Affairs, Chief Art Acevedo – Houston Police Department, Dr. Jo Anne Lyon – Ambassador, General Superintendent Emerita, The Wesleyan Church, Chief J. Thomas Manger – Montgomery County, Maryland Police Department, via Montgomery County Police Department