ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY — Anne Arundel County has a new interim chief of police.
Chief Bill Lowry will lead officers in one of Maryland's largest counties.
Growing up in the South and being a policeman since 1973 has taught him to watch his back, now he’s looking out for not just his back but the backs of 812 men and women protecting Anne Arundel County.
"This is still a very dangerous job. I’ve buried over 15 police officers in Prince George’s County during my tenure there so, I’m aware how dangerous the job is," said Chief Lowry.
Not only did Chief Lowry work in Prince George's County for 27 years doing everything from patrol to special operations, he was head of security for the Redskins as well.
Add seven years as a special agent for NASA and that adds up to almost four decades of public service, you’d think that would be enough.
"I absolutely love this job. I love public service. I was brought up this way by my mom and dad," said Chief Lowry.
And that job of police work has never been as challenging as now and Chief Lowry wants to take advantage of that.
"I look at this as a time for opportunity. I like to listen to people. I may not agree with everything, but at least if I listen to you I understand maybe your perspective, perhaps things can change for the better and I’m a big proponent of that," said Chief Lowry.
Chief Lowry says he’s a big proponent of the 1st amendment and he’ll support any legal protest but, when those protest change over to riots, his position changes as well.
"When it transitions over to where they’re violating the law, that’s a different matter. We have to serve and protect both communities, all communities," said Chief Lowry.
As a police officer you must be tough and Chief Lowry has this statement for anyone in his county.
"I want them to know that I love them and I want our police department to have that same attitude, I really do," said Chief Lowry.
And he learned about that respect, not from the academy, but form home.
