The City of Gaithersburg has appointed Shawn Eastman as its new Chief of Police following the retirement of Chief Mark Sroka.
Eastman was sworn in during the Mayor and City Council meeting on March 2, 2026, and will officially assume his duties on March 7. A 29 year law enforcement veteran, Eastman began his career with the National Institutes of Health Police Department before joining the Gaithersburg Police Department in 1999, where he has served in patrol, investigative, supervisory, and command roles over the past 26 years.
Eastman was promoted to lieutenant in 2018, leading both the Operations Bureau and Special Operations Bureau, and in 2025 was promoted to Captain and Assistant Chief of Police. He has completed executive leadership programs and is active in several professional law enforcement associations. Throughout his career, he has received multiple awards and has also served as an adjunct professor at Montgomery College and the University of Maryland. City officials cited his leadership experience and longstanding service to the community in announcing his appointment.
ICYMI: at tonight’s Mayor & City Council Meeting, Council VP @NeilHarrisSays announced the appointment of Assistant Chief Shawn Eastman as Gaithersburg’s new Chief of Police. Following the announcement he was formally sworn in.
Congratulations Chief Eastman!🎉 pic.twitter.com/lPFFIRjBOA
— City of Gaithersburg (@GburgMD) March 3, 2026
