Bowie’s Police Chief John Nesky and Community Services Director Sally Hein are retiring, and their departures will leave big shoes to fill in the community. Nesky is moving to a quieter police role, while Hein plans to stay active in Bowie, and both have made a lasting impact during their long tenures.
Here are the highlights:
- Police Chief John Nesky and Community Services Director Sally Hein are retiring.
- Chief Nesky will take a pre-retirement role in Montgomery County starting September 15.
- Nesky has been a key figure in the Bowie Police Department since its inception.
- He is known for his leadership, community engagement, and trustworthiness.
- Deputy Chief Dwayne Preston will become acting Chief upon Nesky’s retirement.
- Sally Hein has been a long-time resident and activist in Bowie, overseeing the Community Services Department.
- Hein’s leadership has been crucial in managing various city services and community needs.
- Nick Spurgeon, Hein’s deputy, will become Acting Director after her retirement.
- The city will conduct a national search for permanent successors for both positions.
- Community members are encouraged to wish Nesky and Hein well in their future endeavors.
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Longtime Police Chief, Community Services Director to Retire
Longtime Bowie Police Chief John Nesky and Community Services Director Sally Hein have announced their long expected retirements.
Chief Nesky will be moving into pre-retirement on September 15, taking on a Police Chief role in a sleepy Montgomery County hamlet. If you're familiar with the plot of the movie Jaws, think Chief Brody in Amity without the beaches or man-eating sharks.
Sally Hein will probably continue to be active as ever as a full time Bowie resident on July 30. Sally happens to also be a constituent, and I'm very sure she will pay me back for years of after-hours calls by letting me know about every out street light and pothole she finds.
Chief Nesky started with the Bowie Police Department when it was three officers working out of a trailer behind the Kenhill Center. He took over as Chief early into the department's formation and more than anyone is responsible for its impeccable track record in what has often been an historically challenging time for local law enforcement.
One of the longest-serving chiefs in Maryland history, John Nesky's informed candor, no-nonsense disposition, thoughtful leadership, proactive community engagement, and undying patience made him one of the most trusted voices in City Hall.
When the Chief wasn't dealing with all the normal headaches of running a local police department, he was ever-present at community and HOA meetings and weekend events.
Deputy Chief Dwayne Preston will become acting Chief when Nesky retires. DC Preston is another longtime and deeply respected member of the Bowie Police Department who enjoys the full faith and trust of the city.
Also in the Bowie Encyclopedia under "irreplaceable city leaders" is Sally Hein. A decades-long Bowie resident, volunteer, and activist, Sally worked her way up and eventually took over the Community Services Department, the city's largest and most complex agency.
With her hard-working team, Sally oversaw everything from the city's landscaping and public events, to facility maintenance, animal control, recreation, code, and youth and family counseling.
Like Chief Nesky, Sally was ever-present outside of her role and frequently relied on her extensive network of friends, neighbors, and volunteers to fill the gaps where residents needed help. Her outside-the-box thinking and utter inability to take no for an answer made her indispensable, and she will be greatly missed.
Sally's well regarded deputy, Nick Spurgeon, is slated to take on the role of Acting Director at the time of her retirement. Despite knowing he'll have to take my emails and calls, he still wants the job, which says a lot about his love for the city.
The city will engage in a national search for both Chief Nesky and Director Hein's longterm successors, and their acting replacements will be eligible to apply. Please join me in wishing John and Sally all the best as they transition on to their next chapters.