On January 8, 2016, Colonel John E. Gavrilis, Chief of Police, Maryland Transit Administration received a proclamation from Maryland Governor Larry Hogan honoring his service and his police department’s efforts as part of National Law Enforcement day.
John is a Greek American Police Chief who has served four Maryland Gubernatorial Administrations. During his tenure with Maryland Transit Police, John has been credited with significantly reducing crime and making the transit system one of the safest in the country. John has been in law enforcement for 40 years, previously serving as the Colonel/Chief for the Baltimore City Police Department. He is highly decorated, receiving numerous awards and commendations for bravery to include his undercover role in arresting the Ku Klux Klan in Maryland. John has maintained the highest top secret clearance from the FBI and is on the executive board for the United States Attorney’s Office, Anti-Terrorism Advisory Committee. Colonel Gavrilis during his career has protected several presidents, heads of states, Governors and Mayors. His most memorable assignments were the protection of Pope John Paul and Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew during their visits to Baltimore, MD. John is the highest ranking Greek/American law enforcement officer in the State of Maryland.
John also served as the CEO and co-founder of the Greektown CDC, a non-profit organization established to revitalize Greektown. Colonel Gavrilis has been a life member of the St. Nicholas Church, a member of the Annunciation Cathedral and St Demetrios Church in Baltimore. Over the past, he has served in various capacities at all three churches volunteering his services as a parish council member, committee chair and GOYA advisor. He is a member of AHEPA Lord Baltimore Chapter serving on the Board of Governors and chairing the Scholarship Fundraising Committee. He is married to Patricia and has two daughters.
