![[photo, Department of Emergency Services, 23090 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, Maryland]](/msa/mdmanual/36loc/sm/images/1198-1-08332c.jpg)
Department of Emergency Services, 23090 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, Maryland, November 2017. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
On recommendation of the Board of County Commissioners, the Governor appoints the Department's Director (Code Public Safety Article, sec. 14-109).
Assisted by the Emergency Services Board, the Department directs four divisions: Animal Control, Emergency Communications, Emergency Management, and Emergency Services.
ANIMAL CONTROL DIVISION
The Division enforces State and County animal regulations, and responds to calls regarding nuisance wildlife; unlicensed dogs; and injured, stray or unwanted domesticated animals. It also licenses commercial animal establishments, such as kennels and shelters. In addition, the Division issues vaccinations and dog licenses, registers all animal rescue organizations operating in the County, and assists in the operation of the Tri-County Animal Shelter.
To enforce the Code, the County employs Animal Wardens who issue notices of Code violations, impound animals, conduct inspections of commercial establishments, and issue fines for violations of animal ordinances (County Code, secs. 212-1 through 212-18).
The Board is composed of nine members serving four-year terms, with three members appointed by each county's board of county commissioners.
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIVISION
The Deputy State Fire Marshal is appointed by the State Fire Marshal (Code Public Safety Article, sec. 6-303).
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Formerly under the Emergency Management Division, Animal Control later became a division in its own right.
TRI-COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER ADVISORY BOARD
In the execution of its duties, the Animal Control Division is advised by the Tri-County Animal Shelter Advisory Board. Possessing no policy or regulatory powers, the Board advises animal control agencies and agents in Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties.
Under the Department of Emergency Services, the Emergency Communications Division operates the public safety radio system, and the County’s emergency communication network. This network receives all 911 calls, which the Division then relays to the appropriate responders.
The Emergency Management Division coordinates with federal, State, and local agencies to prepare for and respond to emergencies. Developing emergency guidelines for residents, the Division keeps the public informed regarding emergencies. In preparation for future emergencies, the Agency seeks and distributes grant funds and hires contractors as needed to ensure emergency alert systems and evacuation routes are effective.
FIRE MARSHAL
For the Southern Region (Calvert, Charles & St. Mary’s counties), the Deputy State Fire Marshal serves as an assistant to the State Fire Marshal, and is responsible for fire safety in the Region. The Deputy oversees 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).
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