Defusing Crises Never-Ending Job For Safety Chief In Pr. George's

Even some people who deal with him in contentious situations give him high marks for fairness. "If there have been any issues, he's had an open door and a listening ear," said Vince Canales, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 89, which represents police in negotiations.

People who work with Herron said his no-nonsense management style can make him impatient with incompetence, but they give him kudos for his work ethic. "I can pick up the phone, and we can have a straight conversation," said State's Attorney Glenn F. Ivey.

Herron counted as low points of his tenure the deaths of four police officers, including Charles Hughes, 31, who died of a heart attack last week; the slaying of three men at Uno's restaurant; and the deaths of eight people after an illegal road race on Indian Head Highway in February. And then there was the conviction in February of his deputy director of homeland security -- Keith Washington -- for fatally shooting a furniture deliveryman.

"That was definitely one of the grimmest moments," he said.

Herron said he has tried to counter any bitterness his decisions have caused by being responsive. He visits agencies to find out what people need in order to improve morale and productivity, including changes as sweeping as a larger police force or as small as comfortable chairs for 911 dispatch operators. Earlier this year, Herron lobbied for increased death benefits for the families of officers slain on the job.

One recent day, he planned a visit to see Hughes's widow. "It's going to be tough for her. They had three kids," said Herron, a married father and grandfather.

Herron said he feels fortunate to have his job.

"I went into law enforcement because I wanted to make a difference in people's lives," he said. "Every time that we have one less homicide, one less robbery, one less rape than the quarter before, I feel like there is one less person who was victimized because of the work we do."

Staff writer Ruben Castaneda contributed to this report.