Stephen A. Smith, a former deputy chief with the Aberdeen Police Department, was sworn in Monday to fill the City Council seat of the late Councilman Bruce Garner, who died Dec. 20, 2014, at age 67.
Smith, who retired in June of 2014 after 36 years with the police department, was sworn in during a business meeting of the mayor and council at City Hall.
Mayor Mike Bennett described the late councilman, who died suddenly, as "a trusted friend and confidant and a great council person."
"We miss him greatly, but we know that matters of city business have to continue, and we have to move on and do business for our citizens and keep the city vibrant and moving forward," the mayor said.
Councilman Garner, who also spent 25 years running Bayside Homes Ltd. in Havre de Grace with his wife Joanne, was elected to the council in 2009. He was serving his second term when he died. Smith will hold Garner's seat until his term expires in November.
As he announced the appointment of Smith, Bennett was flanked on the council dais Monday by Councilwoman Sandra Landbeck and Councilwoman Ruth Ann Young. Councilwoman Ruth Elliott was absent.
The mayor, who is responsible for appointing the replacement council member, read a lengthy biography of Smith, who joined the Aberdeen police force as a patrol officer in 1978.
Smith is a graduate of Aberdeen High School. He attended Harford Community College before transferring to East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee.
He studied history and political science, the mayor said.
Smith moved up the ranks of the police department, where he was a detective and shift supervisor. He was twice assigned to the Harford County Task Force, which combines the resources of municipal police departments, the Harford County Sheriff's Office and the State's Attorney's Office to combat drug trafficking in the region.
Smith was promoted to deputy chief in 2010, serving in the post for four years to his retirement.
"We're bringing this gentleman out of retirement, and I'm submitting his name to you to be the councilperson to fill Councilman Garner's seat until next November," Bennett told the council members.
Landbeck, Young and Bennett voted in favor of Smith's appointment. The mayor swore him in as Smith's wife stood next to him.
"I can't think of anybody who would be a better replacement," Landbeck commented.
Smith then took his seat and took part in a work session, which was held right after the swearing in, during which the mayor and council conversed with members of the Legislative District 34 delegation in the Maryland General Assembly.
The legislators included state Sen.-elect Bob Cassilly, Del.-elect Mary Ann Lisanti and returning incumbent Dels. Susan McComas and Glen Glass.
"It's always good to have a little more law enforcement [experience] in local government," Cassilly said regarding Smith's police career.
Smith said after the work session that he is looking forward to serving on the council.
"I've got some big shoes to fill from Bruce Garner," he said. "I just hope I can do it."