“The Chief Probation Officers of California are heartbroken by the sudden passing of Chief Marlon Washington of the Marin County Probation Department.

Chief Washington was an exceptional leader, a dedicated public servant, and a trusted colleague whose kindness, integrity, and unwavering commitment to improving lives left a lasting mark on California’s probation profession and the communities it serves. Prior to his appointment as Marin County’s Chief Probation Officer in 2020, he dedicated more than 20 years to the probation profession, serving first in Contra Costa County and later in Napa County, where he served as Juvenile Hall Superintendent. Throughout his career, he was known for leading with compassion, humility, and an unwavering belief in the potential of others.

While he proudly led the Marin County Probation Department, his impact reached far beyond any one county. He generously devoted his time to strengthening probation across California through statewide training, professional leadership, and his service as Chair of the Chief Probation Officers of California’s Training Committee, always investing in the success of others and the future of the profession.

A Richmond native who never lost sight of the importance of serving his community, Chief Washington believed deeply in the power of probation to change lives, strengthen families, and improve public safety.

In a profession that often presents extraordinary challenges, he never lost his optimism or his commitment to people. Despite the immense responsibility of leading in today’s environment for probation in California, he was known for his warm smile, infectious laugh, and genuine kindness, qualities that brought light to every room and will be deeply missed throughout California’s probation community and especially around the CPOC table.

This is an immeasurable loss for our profession. Our thoughts and prayers are with Chief Washington’s wife, Jennifer, his family, the Marin County Probation Department, and all who knew and loved him during this incredibly difficult time.”

– CPOC President, Chief Esa Ehmen-Krause