Howard Drewer

Drewer Army veteran retired from reserve as Sgt. Maj.

By Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

(April 23, 2026) The Town of Berlin has appointed Col. Howard “Howie” Drewer as its next chief of police, marking a new chapter for the department following the retirement of longtime Chief Arnold Downing.

Drewer officially assumed his new role on Monday, April 20. A press release from the town said Chief Drewer has three decades of law enforcement and military service under his belt.

Drewer comes from the Salisbury Police Department, where he served for 27 years, holding leadership positions across operations and administrations. Most recently, he worked as the department’s assistant chief of police.

His experience also includes time as a detective with the Wicomico Narcotics Task Force, service on a SWAT unit and involvement in community policing efforts.

Before entering law enforcement, Drewer served in the United States Army, later continuing in the Army Reserve and retiring with the rank of sergeant major. His military career included deployments to Bosnia, Korea, Afghanistan and Iraq.

A graduate of the FBI National Academy, Drewer has received numerous awards throughout his career, including Chief’s Awards, Meritorious Service Awards and the Distinguished Service Award.

He is also recognized for mentoring fellow officers and emphasizing steady, community-focused leadership, the town’s press release reads.

Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall welcomed Drewer’s appointment, citing his extensive experience.

“On behalf of the Town of Berlin, I am proud to welcome Chief Drewer to our community,” he said in the announcement. “His record of leadership, integrity, and service speaks for itself. Chief Drewer brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to community-oriented policing that aligns perfectly with Berlin’s values.

“I am confident he will continue to build upon the strong foundation of our police department while fostering trust, transparency, and excellence in public safety.”

Drewer said he is honored to take on the role and emphasized his focus on building relationships within the community.

“Serving the Berlin community is both an honor and a responsibility I take seriously,” he said in the press release. “I am committed to leading with integrity, building lasting relationships and ensuring our department reflects the values and expectations of the Berlin community.”

Downing, who announced his retirement in November, served more than three decades with the Berlin Police Department, including over 20 years as chief.

He began his career with the department in 1991 and was appointed chief in 2002, becoming the first African American to serve in the role.

During his tenure, he oversaw significant expansion of the department’s capabilities, including the development of specialized units such as SWAT, K-9, drone operations and traffic reconstruction.

He also played a role in improving officer benefits and advancing community policing initiatives, while advocating for vulnerable children and families through organizations like the Worcester County Child Advocacy Center and Lower Shore CASA.

As he steps into the role, Drewer is expected to build on that foundation, with a focus on public safety, community partnership and organizational excellence. A swearing-in ceremony is expected to be announced at a later date.