Howard Drewer is pictured accepting his new badge from his wife Denyne on Monday night.

By Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

(May 14, 2026) Newly appointed Berlin Chief of Police Howard Drewer received a warm welcome Monday night when he was sworn into office surrounded by town staff, government officials, family and representatives from agencies across the Eastern Shore.

Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall opened this week’s mayor and council meeting by administering the oath of office to Drewer and to welcome him as the new leader of Berlin’s police force.

During the ceremony, Drewer vowed to uphold the laws and the constitution, and his wife pinned his badge onto his uniform.

Tyndall said the town is excited for Drewer to take on the role. The mayor acknowledged the influence the incoming chief has had on law enforcement teams throughout Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

“You’ve had an amazing impact over your tenure, not just in Worcester but in Wicomico as well,” Tyndall said. “I think it’s signified by everyone in the room this evening.”

As a testament to Drewer’s lifelong dedication to public safety, representatives from regional agencies packed the room Monday night to observe the new chief take the oath of office and to mark the occasion as he assumes a leadership position with the Town of Berlin.

Attending the ceremonies were Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser, Ocean City Chief of Police Ray Austin, members of the Salisbury Police Department and the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, officers from the Berlin Police Department, and Drewer’s wife and family members.

Pictured, from left, at the swearing-in ceremony of new Berlin Police Chief Howard Drewer are Council members Jack Orris, Steve Green, Dean Burrell, Howard and Denyne Drewer, Mayor Zack Tyndall, Council member Shaneka Nichols, Town Administrator Mary Bohlen and Council member Jay Knerr.

Drewer, replaced former chief Arnold Downing and officially assumed his new role on April 20. The new chief hails from the Salisbury Police Department, where  he served for 27 years. During that period he held leadership positions in operations and administration. His most recent role was the force’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 as a sergeant major.

His military career included deployments to Bosnia, Korea, Afghanistan, and Iraq.

Drewer is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and has received numerous awards throughout his career, including chief’s awards, meritorious service awards and the Distinguished Service Award. Furthermore, he is recognized for mentoring fellow officers and emphasizing steady, community-focused leadership.

“On behalf of the Town of Berlin, I am proud to welcome Chief Drewer to our community,” Tyndall said last month. “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.”

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

Drewer succeeds Downing, who retired after more than three decades with the Berlin Police Department, including over 20 years as chief.