Marin County lost the leader of its probation department when Chief Probation Officer Marlon Washington died unexpectedly Saturday, July 11, at age 52.

At its Tuesday, July 14 meeting, the Board of Supervisors opened with tributes from supervisors, county officials and probation staff who filled the audience at the Civic Center.

"That's just the type of person who he was," Supervisor Eric Lucan said. "That's the type of presence that he brought to the broader county organization well above and beyond his roles and duties here as our probation chief."

Supervisor Mary Sackett, addressing the probation employees in the room, said Washington always fought for his department. "He cared about each and every one of you," she told them.

Assistant Chief Probation Officer Ed Randle has been named interim director of the department, which employs approximately 120 people and is headquartered at the Marin County Civic Center in San Rafael. The county has not announced a timeline for appointing a permanent chief.

A 29-year career in juvenile justice

Washington was appointed Marin County's chief probation officer in 2020, succeeding Michael Daly. At the time of his appointment, he was one of three Black chief probation officers in California, according to county officials.

He grew up in Richmond, earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from UC Davis and a master's in law enforcement and public safety leadership from the University of San Diego. He began his career as a juvenile institutional officer in Contra Costa County and later served as juvenile hall superintendent in Napa County before arriving in Marin.

County Executive Derek Johnson said Washington stood out for his belief in people, his investment in youth and his team, and the programs he brought to the department. Johnson called his loss deeply felt across the county organization.

Washington also served as training committee chair for the Chief Probation Officers of California, the statewide association representing all 58 county probation departments. CPOC President Esa Ehmen-Krause, Contra Costa County's chief probation officer, said of Washington: "In a profession that often presents extraordinary challenges, he never lost his optimism or his commitment to people."

'I am here for the community'

In a 2020 interview with the Marin Independent Journal upon his appointment, Washington said his interest in social services was shaped by his parents, who hosted foster children. "I am here for everyone. I am here for the community," he said at the time.

His brother, Michael Washington, who works in the Contra Costa County Probation Department, said memorial services will be announced at a later date.

Washington is survived by his wife Jennifer and children Marlon II and Camryn. He was a resident of Fairfield.

Randle, addressing staff at the July 14 meeting, asked colleagues to honor Washington's legacy: "I do ask that to honor his legacy that we all have the courage to live, love and lead as he would."