Maggie DeBoard is officially out as head of the Herndon Police Department.
The Town of Herndon announced yesterday (Thursday) that Captain Steven T. Pihonak has been appointed as its new police chief, just over a month after DeBoard was placed on administrative leave for reasons the town declined to disclose. Pihonak was serving in the role on an acting basis since Feb. 12.
“Chief Pihonak is a highly skilled command-level law enforcement officer who is uniquely qualified to lead the Herndon Police Department,” interim town manager Chris Martino said. “His background, experience and expertise have already earned the respect of the men and women of the department, and I am confident in his ability to excel in this critical role.”
A longtime deputy chief for the Fairfax County Police Department, DeBoard became the first woman to lead a police department in Northern Virginia when she was hired by Herndon in 2012. At the time, the Washington Post described her reputation as “eminently competent and qualified, but also blunt, candid and not always tactful.”
As chief, DeBoard oversaw the Herndon Police Department’s implementation of a body-worn camera program, and she prioritized officer wellness with peer-support training, contracted psychologist services, a recovery room in the police station and the addition of facility dogs that provide comfort to staff.
She also served as president of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police & Foundation, which gave an award in 2021 for recommending police reforms to then-Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam in response to George Floyd’s murder by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.
However, her tenure also saw some challenges, including a dispute with the Fairfax County NAACP that involved allegations of misconduct in the HPD’s handling of a fight between two students and a 2023 discrimination lawsuit filed by a former officer who alleged DeBoard didn’t appropriately address sexual harassment and retaliation she was experiencing at the hands of a superior. The lawsuit was settled before trial.
More recently, DeBoard drew heat from her former employer after she reportedly objected to Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy Director Major Wilson Lee signing graduation certificates for new recruits in Chinese. Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis reportedly confronted her at a graduation ceremony, and the county terminated its training academy’s affiliation with the HPD on June 1, 2024.
The Town of Herndon initiated an “external review” of the incident but hasn’t confirmed whether DeBoard’s exit now is connected. A town spokesperson told FFXnow that they don’t comment on personnel matters.
FFXnow has reached out to DeBoard for comment but didn’t hear back by press time.
“The Town is grateful to DeBoard for her many years of service and wishes her all the best in her future endeavors,” the Town of Herndon said in its press release announcing its new police chief.
A veteran HPD officer who joined the department in 1999, Pihonak was promoted to captain in 2020 and has earned “many accolades” throughout his career, including an Officer of the Year award, according to the town.
One of his most prominent roles has been as the handler for the labrador retriever Bragg, who was introduced as the department’s first certified facility dog in April 2021. The pair provided on-scene support to police, firefighters and other personnel who responded to the Jan. 29 mid-air collision at Reagan National Airport that killed 67 people.
“I’m deeply grateful for the chance to serve as Chief,” Pihonak said. “This opportunity is not just about my efforts — it reflects the hard work and dedication of every member of HPD. I’m looking forward to serving as Chief and continuing our unwavering commitment to the safety and security of Herndon’s residents.”
