Department of Emergency Services

Announcements

McCoole Fire Protection Public Meeting
The Allegany County Emergency Services Board will have a public meeting on Wednesday, June 5, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. at the McCoole Cornerstone Ministries Church, 21228 Queens Point Road, McCoole. The purpose of this meeting is to solicit input from community members and the general public about fire protection services in the McCoole area according to Richard L. DeVore, Director of the Allegany County Department of Emergency Services.
Allegany County Emergency Services Board
The Allegany County Commissioners, Michael W. McKay, Creade V. Brodie, and William R. Valentine, are seeking nominees to serve as an “At Large Member” for a two year term on the Allegany County Emergency Services Board. The At Large Member may not have any association with any fire or emergency medical service organization in Allegany County. The At Large Member is required to be an Allegany County resident. Individuals who are interested in nomination to this Board should contact the Allegany County Department of Emergency Services at 301-876-9155, 11400 PPG Road SE, Cumberland, Maryland 21502.

Fire Safety in the Home Brochure
Find out how you can make your home more fire-resistant.

Emergency Water Supply Guidelines Brochure
Water is an essential element to survival and a necessary item in an emergency supplies kit. Find out how you can build a supply of water that will meet your family’s requirements during an emergency. Download Brochure
Emergency Services Utilizes Social Media: Get Information Direct From The Source
In addition to traditional print and broadcast media, the Allegany County Department of Emergency Services now is utilizing Facebook and Twitter to inform the general public according to Richard L. DeVore, Department Director. This applies to all four divisions in this department: 911 Joint Communications, Emergency Management, Emergency Medical Services, and the Animal Control & Shelter. Read More

911 Joint Communications Chief Appointed
Allegany County Administrator David A. Eberly has appointed Roger Lee Bennett to be the 911 Joint Communications Division Chief in the Department of Emergency Services. Read More

DEVORE TO HEAD DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
The Allegany County Commissioners, Michael W. McKay, Creade V. Brodie, Jr., and William R. Valentine, took formal action to ratify the appointment of Richard L. DeVore, Jr. as the County’s Director of the Department of Emergency Services effective December 12, 2011. DeVore has served as Acting Director since July of this year. Hired in 1985, DeVore originally served as a Dispatcher for Civil Defense, now the 911 Joint Communications Center. He has focused in the emergency services arena throughout his career and held a number of key positions during his 26 years serving the citizens and stakeholders of Allegany County. Most recently, he held the position of Emergency Management Division Chief. DeVore has had extensive training and on-going education in this specialized field during his years with Allegany County. He has completed a variety of courses offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), the Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS), Maryland Fire and Safety Institute (MFRI), and the Association of Public Safety Officials (APCO). DeVore is certified as an EMT and a prior advanced life support provider. He is also certified nationally as a Firefighter II and is currently pursing national certification in the leadership role of Fire Officer Level IV. Michael W. McKay, President of the Board of Commissioners, stated: “The Allegany County Commissioners are delighted to have someone with the ability, experience, work ethic, and personal interest in this key position. DeVore sincerely wants to help citizens and stakeholders in their time of need. During my first year in office I have recognized the significant responsibilities Dick DeVore has and the important contributions he makes, 24/7, to life here in Allegany County.” County Administrator David A. Eberly emphasized: “Dick DeVore is a hands-on, go-to person. He is imminently qualified for this position. It is important to note that Dick DeVore is a long-time volunteer whose avocation became his vocation. He served as Chief of the Ellerslie Volunteer Fire Company for 20 years and is a life member of that organization as well as of the Ellerslie Ambulance Squad and the LaVale Rescue Squad.” Read More

ALLEGANY COUNTY GOVERNMENT EMERGENCY SERVICES

The Department of Public Safety & Homeland Security will be renamed the Department of Emergency Services. Michael W. McKay, President of the Board of Commissioners, announced the new name at the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony and 9-1-1 Communications Day held by the County Commissioners and the department. Four divisions continue to be in this department: the 911 Joint Communications Center, Emergency Management, Emergency Medical Services, and the Animal Control & Shelter.

NEW EMS CHIEF
Allegany County Administrator David A. Eberly announced today John E. Herath
will become the new Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Chief effective April 11. In this capacity, Herath will head this division in the Department of Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Herath possesses an extensive emergency services background, both in experience as well as in education. Herath’s career began as a Cumberland Fire Department Firefighter in 1971. After ten years in Cumberland, Herath joined the Anne Arundel County Fire Department as a Firefighter/Paramedic. Here, Herath received promotions and served as both Captain and Battalion Chief. He retired from the Anne Arundel County Fire Department in 2008. Herath became associated with the Allegany County Department of Public Safety and Homeland Security as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)/Paramedic in 2009.
Read More

Allegany County Commissioners, Michael W. McKay and William R. Valentine, present 60 smoke detectors to Deputy Chief State Fire Marshall Jason M. Mowbray.

Emergency Services Purchases Smoke Detectors

The Allegany County Department of Emergency Services has purchased sixty smoke detectors available for free distribution to any county resident who cannot afford to purchase this life-saving safety item. These smoke detectors have a ten year lithium battery. These smoke detectors will be distributed by the Office of the State Fire Marshall, Western Regional Office. Jason M. Mowbray serves as the Deputy Chief State Fire Marshall here. Personnel from the State Fire Marshall’s Office will also do installation, free of charge, for any individual who is not physically able to do so. For the additional information contact this office at 301-729-5021. With this purchase, Allegany County Commissioners, Michael W. McKay, Creade V. Brodie, Jr., and William R. Valentine, have matched a similar endeavor. The Cumberland Firefighters Local 1715 recently gave the Cumberland Fire Department sixty smoke detectors for free distribution.