News

Riverdale, MD – The M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County is pleased to announce the confirmation of Germaine Haywood as its new Chief of Park Police. With an illustrious career spanning 19 years with the Department and a proven track record of leadership, Chief Haywood brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this vital role.

Department Director Bill Tyler expressed confidence in Haywood’s ability to lead the Park Police into a new era of effectiveness and accountability. “I am delighted to confirm Germaine Haywood as our new Chief of Park Police,” stated Tyler. “His passion for serving the community, coupled with extensive experience, make him the ideal candidate to lead our park police force.”

Having served in various capacities within the Park Police, Haywood has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to public safety and community engagement. Since his arrival in 2005, he was assigned to various specialty units to include Investigations, Tactical Services, Rapid Deployment Team, Potomac River Waterfront, and Motors. In 2013, Chief Haywood was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. In that role, he was assigned to Patrol Services, Southern Area, Potomac River Waterfront Unit, the Rapid Deployment Team, and the Motors Unit.

In 2016, Chief Haywood was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. In that role, he managed all aspects of the Police Department including Patrol Services, Canine Unit, Investigative Services, Staff Services, Technology Services, Property, Records Management, and Communications. In 2020, Chief Haywood was promoted to Assistant Chief/Captain as the Director of Field operations. During the onset of the global Covid-19 Pandemic, he flourished while managing Field Operations, Mounted Unit, Canine Unit, and the Potomac River Waterfront Unit.

Chief Haywood has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and is a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). He has numerous professional training certifications from various law enforcement leadership programs, including IACP’s Leadership in Police Organizations and the Greater Chesapeake Law Enforcement Executive certificates.

Chief Haywood is a proud husband and father of two. When not in uniform, he spends his time coaching multiple sports and being active in various boys’ and girls’ clubs where he mentors youth to make positive impacts in their lives and community.

In accepting the appointment, Haywood emphasized his commitment to collaboration, transparency, and innovation in law enforcement. “It is an honor to serve as Chief of Park Police for the Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County,” said Haywood. “I am dedicated to working closely with our officers, county officials, and community members to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.”

The Department looks forward to Haywood’s leadership and is confident in his ability to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in law enforcement. His dedication to fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the community aligns seamlessly with the Park Police motto ‘Because We Care’.

About the Park Police

The Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Prince George’s County Division consists of 136 authorized sworn personnel, 35 civilian employees, and approximately 40 volunteers. The Park Police Division ensures the safety of park patrons and facilities 24 hours a day through crime prevention, apprehension, enforcement of criminal and motor vehicle laws, and enforcement of park rules and regulations. Learn more at https://www.pgparks.com/safety-policy/park-police 

About the Department

With over 28,000 acres of parkland, trails, athletic fields, playgrounds and more – M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County provides an award-winning park system through progressive, quality, innovative leadership and a commitment to its community and environment. The Department delivers first-class recreational activities and programs for people of all ages and ability levels. It strives to improve the quality of life for residents in Prince George’s County and the communities in which they live, work, and raise families. The Department’s facilities and programming continue to evolve and expand to keep pace with the needs of its vibrant community. For more information, visit www.pgparks.com 

Media Contacts: Angel Waldron, 301-446-3311

Lt. Galvin Savoy, 301-887-7039

A significant moment for the Department’s Historic Preservation Unit

Media Contact: Angel Waldron, 301-446-3311

Riverdale, MD – Today, the Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County’s Historic Preservation Unit has been honored with the 2024 Maryland Preservation Award for “Outstanding Stewardship by a Government Agency.” The Historic Preservation Unit is a small team of specialists within the Natural and Historic Resources Division of the Department.

In an outdoor ceremony at Marietta House Museum in Glenn Dale – dignitaries, elected officials, historians, and community members gathered to celebrate and honor the Department’s laudable preservation successes over the past five years. Presenting the award was Elizabeth Hughes, Director of the Maryland Historical Trust. Also participating in the event were Senator Malcolm Augustine and Delegate Jamila Woods. 

“This award highlights the distinguished work of a vital part of our team who enrich our community through their skillful and determined preservation work, preserving and protecting the cultural and architectural heritage of our historic properties.” – Bill Tyler, Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County

The Historic Preservation Unit manages one of the nation’s most distinctive publicly-owned concentrations of historic assets — 14 are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, 7 are subject to Maryland Historical Trust Easements, and two are National Historic Landmarks. The unit’s portfolio of nearly 50 sites (with more than 175 structures) includes museums, historic houses, monuments, chapels, mills, and cultural landscapes. Recent preservation success stories at projects like Darnall’s Chance Museum (c. 1742), Marietta House Museum (c. 1812), Surratt House Museum (c. 1852), and the Bladensburg Peace Cross (c. 1919) exemplify years of steadfast preservation work. 

Projects range from interpreted museums like Montpelier House, Riversdale House, and Ridgely Rosenwald School to historic homes that have been repurposed into special event venues such as Oxon Hill Manor, Snow Hill Manor, and Newton White Mansion. Historic mills, chapels, monuments, archeological sites, outbuildings, and cultural landscapes are also part of the portfolio. Historic programming at these sites develops and shares previously underrepresented stories. Tens of thousands of people visit these restored properties every year.

“This is a significant moment for our Historic Preservation Unit, which is widely respected for its authentic restoration and rehabilitation work — and also for its practical approach to adaptive use, as well as advocacy and education efforts.” – Edward Day, Chief Historic Preservation Officer

To learn more about the Department’s preservation projects, visit pgparks.com/activities-events/history/historicpreservation.

About The Department

With over 28,000 acres of parkland, trails, athletic fields, playgrounds and more, the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County provides an award-winning park system through progressive, quality, innovative leadership and a commitment to its community and environment. The Department delivers first-class recreational activities and programs for people of all ages and ability levels. It strives to improve the quality of life for residents in Prince George’s County and the communities in which they live, work, and raise families. The Department’s Formula 2040 Plan establishes a framework that will assure the Department can meet future parks and recreation programmatic and facility needs, fulfilling its mission to determine the combination of land, facilities and programs that will provide appropriate experiences for Prince Georgians in the future.