Former Sheriff Dave Zylak with his wife Debbie
The Bay Net Photo by Anna Bedford

Former Sheriff David Zylak, one of the most qualified and seasoned persons for the job, has been hired as the new public safety director of St. Mary’s County. The position was vacated by new Sheriff Tim Cameron following his election in November.

“Four qualified candidates were interviewed for the safety officer’s position. I thank them for going through the process,” Commissioner President Jack Russell (D. St George Island) told The Bay Net. “I wish them all well on their future endeavors,” he said.

“He has been hired,” Commissioner Dan Raley (D. St. George Island) confirmed to The Bay Net.  He declined to say which commissioners opposed Zylak’s selection, but at least two of the Republican commissioners, Kenny Dement (R. Piney Point) and Larry Jarboe (R. Golden Beach) had opposed Zylak’s policies as sheriff.

Zylak declined to comment on his new job this week, telling The Bay Net he did not mean to be evasive, but “nothing is official until the commissioners announce the new Public Safety Director.”

Zylak, 50, began his law enforcement career as a Forest Ranger for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in the Southern Maryland area, and has been a resident of St. Mary’s for nearly three decades now.

In December 1983, Zylak joined the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and during his nearly quarter century career there, he served the county in a number of assignments, in every division of the agency, before his getting elected as sheriff of St. Mary’s County in December 2002. His reelection bid last year was unsuccessful, but he is now set to serve the county in another leadership position, and one that is better compensated than the role of sheriff for which he vied with Cameron.

School board member Mary Washington commended Zylak for working relentlessly for school safety and wished him well in his new position. Seniors in the county are also highly appreciative of his role in providing safety and security for them.

Zylak was regarded by many as a gentleman policeman, who as sheriff was fair with everyone in his public and private dealings.

Jennifer Green, the county spokesperson, said a formal announcement was due next Tuesday.