(12/2) Dave Armstrong was sworn in Thurmont police chief at the Dec. 5 meeting after serving as lieutenant in the town.
"Dave is an amazing officer," Thurmont Mayor John Kinnaird said. "He’s been a great lieutenant and I know he’s going to do a fantastic job as chief. "
The Thurmont Town Council voted Armstrong in as chief of police after former Chief Greg Eyeler announced his retirement earlier this year. Eyler’s retirement was effective Dec. 1, which is when Armstrong officially took over the position.
Armstrong took the opportunity to speak to his constituents at the town meeting after officially being sworn in by Kinnaird. "I know why I was appointed. It wasn’t because I’m the smartest one you had an option to, although I think I’m smart enough. It wasn’t because I’m the toughest one although I think I’m tough enough. It wasn’t because I’m the prettiest one, well maybe it was a little bit of that. It wasn’t because I’m the best public speaker, but I will talk until my wife elbows me in the ribs," Armstrong said before taking a more serious tone. "I know I was appointed because for the better part of a decade now, I’ve served the Town of Thurmont. I’ve served the police department, I’ve served the residents and you’ve deemed that I’ve served them well. So I just commit to you that I will continue to serve the police department."
Armstrong has been in law enforcement for 33 years, over ten of which was spent at the Thurmont Police Department. Armstrong initially started his career in law enforcement at the Frederick Police Department in 1990, after he ended his service with the Army. There, he worked in the patrol unit, drug unit and SWAT team. When he retired in 2011, Armstrong was a first line supervisor with the criminal investigations division.
After his retirement from the Frederick County Police, Armstrong took a contractor job with the U.S. Government. The position didn’t last long before a friend contacted Armstrong to convince him to join the Thurmont Police Department, which he did in 2012.
"Finding little to satisfy me outside of police work I took him up on the offer and thought I may put in two or three years," Armstrong said. "Little did I know I would still be here eleven years later and be given the opportunity to be the Chief of Police."
In Thurmont, Armstrong continued to raise through the ranks, taking on roles as patrol officer, detective, corporal, sergeant and deputy chief. In 2022, he was named Thurmont Lions Club "Police Officer of the Year" for his efforts in Thurmont.
"I am excited about the coming journey as the Chief of the Thurmont Police Department," Armstrong said. "Together with the very talented and dedicated members of the Thurmont Police Department, I look forward to continuing to provide an environment in the town where the residents, business owners and visitors can go about their daily lives without an overwhelming or irrational fear of being the victim of a crime or some accident."
