(11/23) Thurmont Police Chief Greg Eyler will retire from law enforcement effective Dec. 1 after 18 years as chief. Current Thurmont Lieutenant David Armstrong will replace Eyler in December.
Eyler graduated from the Montgomery County Police Academy in August 1979 after being recruited to the Thurmont Police Department by the late, then-Thurmont Police Chief Herman Shook. He transferred to the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office in late 1980, where he was able to receive specialized training in various areas of law enforcement. While serving for Frederick County, Eyler graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico.
He retired from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office as a Major in 2005. In the same year of his first retirement, Eyler was asked to rejoin the Thurmont Police Department as Chief of Police, where he continued to make his mark for the past 18 years.
"Chief Eyler has served our community and the residents of Thurmont in an exemplary manner. I
can’t thank Greg enough for his professionalism and dedication to the Town of Thurmont. Our
residents’ safety has always been his highest priority and for that, we are sincerely thankful and
appreciative," Thurmont Mayor John Kinnaird said in a press release.
Eyler’s influence over the past 18 years doubled the authorized sworn police officers, from 7 to 14 with 6 civilian employees. This includes a detective/investigator position, Narcotics Detection K-9 Program and Code Enforcement Officer Program. He introduced specialized training to the Department training program to advance officers’ skills as he did in Frederick County.
Outside of the police department itself, Eyler’s influence led to the implementation of community outreach programs such as National Night Out, Safety Pup, traffic calming initiatives, bicycle safety and child safety seat installations. His efforts led to Thurmont’s recognition as one of the safest communities in Maryland numerous times.
Eyler’s work in law enforcement has been well-recognized over the years. He has been recognized as CHS Distinguished Graduate for Public Service; Lions Club/Shumaker Roofing Officer of the Year and received the Enforcement Commendation medal presented by The Sons of the American Revolution. He is also a member of the Maryland Chiefs of Police Association, The Maryland Municipal Police Executive League and the FBI National Academy Associates.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Chief Eyler over my past 10 years with the Town of Thurmont. His dedication to public safety and to protecting the citizens of Thurmont has always been his highest priority. The Thurmont Police Department has made great strides in all levels of police work under Greg’s watch and his efforts are truly appreciated," Town Manager Jim Humerick said . "I wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement."
