Appointed by the Governor on recommendation of the Board of County Commissioners, the Director oversees the Department (Code Public Safety Article, sec. 14-109).
The Department oversees Animal Control and Shelter, and three divisions: Emergency Management, Emergency Medical Services, and 911 Joint Communications. The Department is aided by the Emergency Services Board.
The Board is composed of ten members. Eight represent fire and emergency medical providers and agencies. Some of these members serve ex officio; others serve two-year terms, or until replaced by their organization. Two civilian members are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners to two-year terms. With the approval of the Board of County Commissioners, the Chair is chosen by the Board to a one-year term (County Code, sec. 146-1 through 146-4).
ANIMAL CONTROL & SHELTER
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIVISION
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES DIVISION
911 JOINT COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION
Calls for emergency assistance are received by the 911 Joint Communications Division, which coordinates responders to best meet residents needs. From the call center, the Division receives all 911 calls, forwarding relevant information to the appropriate responders, such as volunteer and career fire companies, medical services providers, municipal police departments, the Sheriff's Office, and the State Police.
The Deputy State Fire Marshal is appointed by the State Fire Marshal (Code Public Safety Article, sec. 6-303).
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Animal control services for the County are contracted to an independent provider by the Board of County Commissioners. This organization provides services that include collection of stray or unlicensed domesticated animals, destruction of mortally sick or injured animals, and investigating allegations of animal abuse, and rabies (County Code, Chapter 225).
The Emergency Management Division develops and implements County emergency plans to address emergency preparation, reaction, and mitigation. The Division also coordinates federal and State resources to protect and serve residents. In addition, the Division maintains units to respond to disasters, and assist first responders in specialized cases, such as hazardous material spills, structural collapse, or swift-water rescue.
Regulating emergency medical services, the Emergency Medical Services Division oversees private medical responders and life support units operating in the County to ensure compliance with State and County regulations. Assisted by the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council, the Division reviews proposed legislation, and advises the Board of County Commissioners on matters related to medical response and services.
911 services began in Allegany County in 1979 with the creation of a phone relay center at Cumberland. In 1992, the call center was updated to more quickly obtain vital information from callers by automatically recording the incoming number and attached address (currently, cell phones do not transmit a physical location). Since then, teletype (TTY) services for the hearing impaired have been added to the Center.
FIRE MARSHAL
For the Western Region of Maryland (Allegany, Garrett, & Washington counties), the Deputy State Fire Marshal serves as an assistant to the State Fire Marshal, and investigates and enforces laws regarding arson, fire prevention, the installation and maintenance of fire detection and extinguisher equipment, the availability and adequacy of fire exits at public and commercial establishments, and the storage, sale, or use of explosives and combustibles (Code Public Safety Article, sec. 6-305).
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