More Than a Warden: A Conversation with LaMonte Cooke

PART II

LaMonte Cooke, a resident of Chestertown, Maryland, began his career in law enforcement in 1975 as Kent County’s first African American Deputy Sheriff. He joined Queen Anne’s County in 1987 and has served as Warden of the Queen Anne’s County Detention Center ever since. Throughout his distinguished career, he has received numerous honours and accolades. Recent recognitions include the 2023 Frederick Douglass Achievement Award, the renaming of the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Professional Recognition Award to the LaMonte Cooke County Service Award, and his selection as Grand Marshal of the 2026 Chestertown Tea Party Festival.

Warden LaMonte Cooke was, recently, recognised by Governor Wes Moore during the Maryland Correctional Administrators Association (MCAA) Awards Ceremony and Banquet for his extraordinary career in corrections and public service.