Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Police Chief Retirement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Gaithersburg proclaims March 6 as Police Chief Mark Sroka Day as city honors his nearly 16 years of service
Summary
Mayor Judd Ashman and the Gaithersburg City Council issued a proclamation and offered tributes to Police Chief Mark Sroka, who will retire March 6 after nearly 16 years leading the department; councilmembers highlighted departmental growth, accreditation and succession planning.
Mayor Judd Ashman read a formal proclamation declaring March 6, 2026, "police chief Mark Sroka Day" in recognition of Sroka’s nearly 16 years of service to Gaithersburg and almost 40 years in law enforcement. The proclamation recited Sroka’s bachelor’s degree in criminology, a master’s in criminal justice, 24 years with the Maryland State Police and his 2010 start as Gaithersburg’s chief. It credited his leadership with expanding authorized sworn positions from 52 to 70, adding 21 civilian positions, pursuit of national accreditation for the Gaithersburg Police Department, deployment of body‑worn cameras and guiding the department through COVID‑19 and social protests.
City manager Tanisha and several councilmembers praised Sroka’s emphasis on trust, accountability and mentorship. The council singled out his work on staffing, culture and succession planning; speakers noted that officers promoted from within — including those named by Sroka in past recognitions — are positioned to lead. Sroka accepted the recognition with gratitude, thanking staff and the community and joking about the timing of his named day.
The council held an extended public tribute during the meeting; no formal council action was required. The proclamation is signed by Mayor Judd Ashman and is part of the public record.
