County Executive Appoints Deputy Director of Homeland Security

UPPER MARLBORO, MD - Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson has appointed Keith Washington to be the Deputy Director of the County's Department of Homeland Security.  The Department of Homeland Security plays a key role in determining the county's ability to fight and deter potential terrorist activities as well as plan and prepare for potential acts of terrorism within the county.

Washington has an extensive military background as well as Law Enforcement background with the Prince George's County Police Department.

"There are few appointments as important as this one," said Johnson. "With his extensive experience and his local ties, Keith Washington will lead this county in the right direction insuring that the office of Homeland Security provides the protection and required services that the county needs and desires."

Washington's community ties include being a Commissioner for the town of Accokeek, and a Elected Member of the Board of Directors for one of the largest Homeowner's Association in South County. He will oversee an agency charged with providing critical first responder services as well as securing desired federal grants and implementing projects and programs within the county. This will ensure that residents can feel safe from biological, chemical, and radiological terrorist attacks. "We are here to provide safety and security for the citizens of Prince George's County and there will be a multi-lateral approach in providing these services" said Washington. Residents of communities should feel safe because of the well planned approach we have adopted". "I am honored to be nominated for this position by our County Executive," said Washington, who has over 20 years experience in the United States Army and is currently a part of the Special Operations Command, he holds the rank of Major and is familiar with strategic planning initiatives having written and briefed extensively on such matters.  Washington also has 14 years of experience with the Prince George's County Police Department and has held a variety of positions within that organization.

Washington is a graduate of the following university, schools, and courses, some of which include the foremost anti-terrorist schools in America such as the International Terrorism awareness course, taught at the John F. Kennedy School of Special Warfare Ft. Bragg N.C. and also the Dynamics of International Terrorism Course taught at the U.S Air force Special Operations school in Hulbert Field, Fla. In addition, Washington is also a graduate of the United States Army Combined Arms Services Staff School, the United States Army Infantry Officers Basic Course, the United States Army Civil Affairs Officer Advance Course, the Middle Eastern Orientation Course, the Central Asian Orientation Course, Washington is also a graduate of the U.S. Army Air-borne School, U.S. Army Air Assault School and the United States Army Command and General Staff College, he holds a bachelor's degree from Northwestern State University, in addition  Washington speaks several languages to include Spanish and Korean and has translated for the County Police Department in those languages during his tenure with that organization.

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