The Authority advises animal control officers, and the Board of County Commissioners on matters related to animal control and regulation, and suggests possible changes to the ordinance. Annually, the Authority reports to the Board of County Commissioners on its activities.
Appointed by the Board of County Commissioners to three-year terms, five members constitute the Authority. The chair is elected annually by the Authority from among its members (Animal Control Ordinance for Washington County, Article 2).
During emergencies, the Office assists and coordinates federal, State, and volunteer responders to best respond to natural and man-made disasters. The Office also advises the Board of County Commissioners on grants and resources available to meet Office and community needs in preparation or response to emergencies.
Appointed by the Governor, the Director of the Office of Emergency Management develops the County's hazard mitigation plan. Through the plan, the Office analyzes threats, and works with other agencies to devise response strategies for severe or frequent threats in accordance with the National Incident Management System.
DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
The Emergency Communications Center was created in July 2009 through consolidation of emergency dispatch centers in Washington County to more efficiently respond to emergency calls. Formed originally from Fire and Rescue Communications, response centers of the Sheriff’s Office and county volunteer responders, the Center absorbed control centers for the Hagerstown Police Department, and Fire and Emergency Services in January 2010. County call centers for the State Police transferred services to the Emergency Communications Center in September 2010.
The Department of Emergency Communications oversees two divisions: Administration, and Operations.
The Deputy State Fire Marshal is appointed by the State Fire Marshal (Code Public Safety Article, sec. 6-303), and aided by the Fire and Rescue Communications Advisory Board.
Working in cooperation with the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association, the Board analyzes and makes recommendations to increase emergency response efficiency and effectiveness.
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DIVISION OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
The Division of Emergency Services oversees the Department of Emergency Communications. Assisting the Division in its duties is the Emergency Services Advisory Council.
EMERGENCY SERVICES ADVISORY COUNCIL
Advising the Board of County Commissioners, the Emergency Services Advisory Council makes recommendations on matters related to County emergency services. The Council also advises municipal governments, the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association, and any emergency or fire and rescue companies operating in the County.
Duties of the Department of Emergency Communications began as Central Alarm in 1974, when the first centralized call facility was authorized. Housed in the County Office Building in Hagerstown, Central Alarm allowed County residents to call a single phone number for any emergency, and redirected calls to the appropriate responders. In May 1984, the emergency phone number changed to 911, and Central Alarm offices were expanded to meet projected demand. In 2000, Central Alarm was renamed Fire and Rescue Communications, which reorganized in 2009 as the Department of Emergency Communications to oversee the Emergency Communications 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).
FIRE & RESCUE COMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY BOARD
The Fire and Rescue Communications Advisory Board provides advice and recommendations to the Director of Emergency Services, and to the Board of County Commissioners on matters relating to the operation and equipment of fire and rescue communication systems. The Board also helps coordinate operations with the various fire, rescue and emergency medical companies of the County.
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