Baltimore County police spokesman Bill Toohey has been asked to retire and was “surprised” by the announcement, according to several sources with knowledge of the decision.

Police Chief Jim Johnson said he’s appointed Lt. Robert McCullough to replace Toohey, who has headed the media division of the police department since 1996.

“He’s retiring,” Johnson said of Toohey, 64, a longtime radio reporter. “I’m reacting to his decision to retire. Bill Toohey did an excellent job for the agency.” 

But sources said Toohey is looking for a job.

He released a statement Wednesday afternoon.

“There comes a time for people to move on and new people to move in,” Toohey said. “That is what’s happening here. I have great respect for the men and women in this agency. If I can help with the transition, I certainly will.”

Sources with knowledge of the decision said Johnson has been wanting a uniformed officer to head his public information office since he got the job as the county’s top cop two years ago.

Johnson, who informed Toohey of the change Tuesday, had no problem with Toohey’s job performance but believed a uniformed officer, not a civilian, should head up his media office, the sources said.

County Executive Jim Smith said he would not micro-manage the police department and allowed Johnson to make the change, sources said.

Over the past 13 years, Toohey’s voice and comments have been a staple of local news broadcasts and newspaper articles.

Toohey previously worked for National Public Radio, NBC radio and ABC radio, and teaches at Towson University.

— Bryan P. Sears contributed to this article.

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user comments (4)

user scott says...

Bill Toohey: classiest of class acts in communications. I suspect BaCo Police have no idea how effective Toohey is at shortstopping headaches for his bosses and investigators by getting accurate, timely info out. Media who don't get information before deadlines don't go away, they seek other sources (like witnesses) who might not have the story straight. There are some fine uniform Public Information Officers out there -- but none quite as good as Toohey at informing the public AND serving his agency.

Posted 8:30 AM, 11.19.09

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user newsrunner says...

I agree with Scott. This is a shame. I can tell you that ALL the behind-the-scenes chatter I've heard about this among local television/radio and print reporters has been that Bill is the "standard by which public information officers should be judged" and that they "won't ever find someone as good as he is." The department should have let the man retire when he was ready, and just appreciated what they had. The reporters certainly did. Not good p.r., Baltimore County.

Posted 8:58 AM, 11.19.09

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user politicrdr says...

Toohey was likely slammed by the political back door. Why would a stellar guy and class act suddenly and out of no where, become a victim? Jim Smith wants to run for Mikulskis seat. Cummings and Burns wanted an African American face on the local PD. Johnson gets strong armed. Toohey gets fired. Smith gets support. Mission accomplished. It worked out great for everyone but Toohey. Toohey bartered with the media to make sure that everyone got what they needed and he was still able to put a happy face on the PD. Media relations is a tenuous deal. There is ebb and flow. I hope they didnt just shoot themselves in the foot. Next victim please.

Posted 2:32 PM, 11.21.09

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user stevetowson says...

Scott... you're right on the mark. bill is a model of both dedication, and balance. He's without a doubt the best man for the job, and has demonstrated a profficiency that anyone else can only aspire to match. Any change in personel there is a step downwards, and backwards. Basically... IT SUCKS!

Posted 4:02 PM, 11.21.09

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