U.S. Park Police Chief Pamela A. Smith announced her retirement April 8, with her last official day of service April 30.
According to the National Park Service, Smith is the first African-American woman to lead the agency, and has won a variety of awards over the course of her career, including the Women in Federal Law Enforcement Public Service Award, U.S. Marshal Service Distinguished Law Enforcement Career and the National Park Service Equal Employment Opportunity Program Recognition of Outstanding Excellence.
“It has been my distinct honor and privilege to cap off my career as the chief of the U.S. Park Police after spending my entire career within its ranks,” Smith said in the news release announcing her retirement. “I am proud of the dedication and professionalism of the entire workforce as we continued to meet the demands of a modern law enforcement organization.”
“I thank Chief Smith for her leadership and 24 years of loyal and faithful service to the U.S. Park Police," National Park Service Director Chuck Sams said in the release. "I respect her decision and congratulate her on her retirement."
The releases states Smith began her role as chief of police Feb. 28, 2021.
Until a new chief is selected, Deputy Chief of Police Christopher Stock will serve as the interim chief, according to the release.
There are approximately 20,000 National Park Service employees, per the release. These employees work across 423 National Parks located in the U.S.
