Rockville's First Female Deputy Police Chief Gets Sworn In Monday

ROCKVILLE, MD — A longtime local cop made history Monday evening when she was sworn in as the Rockville Police Department's first female deputy chief.

Laura Lanham — who boasts 28 years of law enforcement experience with the Montgomery County Police Department — was promoted to her new position during a 7 p.m. council meeting at City Hall.

"I am excited to welcome Laura Lanham to the Rockville City Police Department," police chief Victor Brito said when he first announced the news in June. "Her skills and knowledge will be immediately beneficial to the Rockville City Police Department, especially with her current position as assistant chief of the Patrol Services Bureau and her familiarization with the Rockville community."

Throughout her career, Lanham has lead numerous county police divisions, including Criminal Investigations, Legal and Labor, and Policy and Planning. She also served as commander of the 4th District (Wheaton) and as chief of the Investigative Services Bureau, according to law enforcement officials.

"I am humbled by my selection as the Deputy Chief of the Rockville City Police Department," Lanham said. "RCPD has an excellent reputation earned through many years of dedicated and professional service in the city. I look forward to working alongside members of the department and city government in their continued efforts to serve the Rockville community to the best of our ability."