DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
![[photo, Detention Center and Public Safety sign, 315 Stafford Road, Barstow, Maryland]](/msa/mdmanual/36loc/cal/images/1198-1-08287c.jpg)
Responsible for providing emergency prevention, alert, and response to residents, the Department of Public Safety oversees fire and rescue responders; and community, federal and State assistance. The Department also operates the County's 911 emergency network and, during emergencies, the Emergency Operations Center at Prince Frederick. In addition, the Department licenses and regulates the sale, installation, and use of emergency alarm systems, and may levy fines for violations of County Code.
Detention Center & Public Safety sign, 315 Stafford Road, Barstow, Maryland, November 2017. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
Under the Department are two divisions: Emergency Management; and Fire, Rescue and Emergency Medical Services. Since July 2017, the Department also is responsible for Animal Control.
DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Through local radio and television stations, the Division broadcasts emergency bulletins to alert residents of emergency situations, and any recommended actions.
Under the Division, the Community Emergency Response Team was created in 2005 to offer emergency training and support to community and private organizations, neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces. Team members are volunteers throughout the County who are trained to offer basic medical attention and emergency mitigation until emergency responders arrive.
Appointed by the Governor on recommendation of the Board of County Commissioners, the Director oversees the Division (Code Public Safety Article, sec. 14-109).
DIVISION OF FIRE, RESCUE & EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
The Fire and Rescue Commission aids the Division.
In addition to safety audits, the Commission reviews financial records for volunteer fire and rescue companies operating within the County, and develops plans to most efficiently and effectively coordinate services for residents. Grants and loans issued by the State or County are received and distributed by the Commission (County Code, sec. 9-301(g); Code Public Safety Article, sec. 8-303).
Appointed by the Board of County Commissioners to four-year terms, six members constitute the Commission (County Code, sec. 9-301).
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Under the Department of Public Safety, the Division of Emergency Management, in cases of emergency, coordinates federal, State and local emergency resources; and provides emergency shelter, food, and water to residents. When needed, sandbags and help with evacuation also are provided by the Division (Code Public Safety Article, secs. 14-109 through 14-113).
The Division of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Medical Services coordinates emergency response efforts between County and volunteer public safety providers. Education and training programs are developed by the Division, and made available to volunteers (Code Public Safety Article, secs. 7-101 through 7-403; County Code, secs. 44-1 through 44-19).
FIRE & RESCUE COMMISSION
Since 1975, the Fire and Rescue Commission has reviewed applications by any company intending to provide fire or ambulance services in the County. To ensure these entities meet and adhere to State and County public safety guidelines, the Commission conducts annual audits.
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