QUEEN ANNE'S COUNTY, MARYLAND

EXECUTIVE BRANCH

PUBLIC SAFETY

ORIGIN & FUNCTIONS

DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL CONTROL

ANIMAL CONTROL COMMISSION
The Animal Control Commission was established under the Department of Animal Services, and transferred in September 2013 to the Office of Sheriff. In February 2015, the Commission joined with the Department of Animal Control.

The Commission advises the Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Animal Services on matters related to animal control and services, including federal and State regulations, and proposed ordinances. The Commission also sets the fees and fines for animal licensing and control. Public hearings are held by the Commission on appeals to charges of Code violation, or an animal's designation as vicious or dangerous.

From three to seven members make up the Commission. They are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners (County Code, secs. 9-3 through 9-8).

DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS [DETENTION CENTER]

DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES

Appointed by the Governor on recommendation of the Board of County Commissioners, the Director supervises the Department (Code Public Safety Article, secs. 14-109 through 14-113; County Code, secs. 21-10 through 21-16)

EMERGENCY SERVICES ADVISORY COUNCIL
The Emergency Services Advisory Council advises the Department of Emergency Services regarding emergency response standards, operating procedures, and equipment. Annually, the Council reports to the Department on the status of emergency services available to residents.

Appointed to two-year terms by the Board of County Commissioners, fourteen members constitute the Council. The Director of the Department of Emergency Services serves ex officio as a nonvoting member (County Code, sec. 21-12).

FIRE MARSHAL
For Queen Anne’s County, the Department of Emergency Service is responsible for the duties of the State Fire Marshal, and for fire safety in the County. The County Fire Marshal is responsible for the investigation and enforcement of 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).

Overseeing the Fire Marshal is the Division Chief, who is appointed by the State Fire Marshal (Code Public Safety Article, sec. 6-303; County Code, sec. 21-16).

The Fire Marshal is aided by the Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Commission.

FIRE & EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS) COMMISSION
The Fire and Emergency Medical Services Commission was created by the Board of County Commissioners in July 2004, and was formally authorized in July 2009 (County Code, sec. 21-2).

Coordinating operations for all volunteer fire and ambulance companies operating in the County, the Commission formulates budgets, and sets standards, and operating policies and procedures for these companies. With these duties, the Commission is authorized to adopt and enforce bylaws, and inspect companies to ensure compliance. In addition, the Commission advises the Board of County Commissioners, the Department of Emergency Services, and the Fire Marshal on matters related to fire and emergency medical service response.

For each fire or ambulance company operating in the County, the Fire Chief or Director serves ex officio on the Commission.

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