On July 29, 2008, the County Commissioners of Caroline County announced the creation of the Department of Emergency Services by adopting Resolution #2008-023. The new Department will consolidate all emergency services delivered by the County into one department by combining the former Departments of Emergency Management and Emergency Medical Services.
"By combining these related departments, administrative efficiency will be improved. That ultimately translates to better quality services delivered more efficiently to the residents of Caroline County," said Jack Cole, President of the County Commissioners.
Bryan C. Ebling was appointed by the Commissioners to serve as the Director of the new Department. Mr. Ebling was the Director of the former Department of Emergency Management, and has been a County employee for 29 years. He is also a member of the Ridgely Volunteer Fire Department, and is a licensed paramedic.
"Bryan's vast experience with emergency management, volunteer fire companies, and emergency medical service make him a natural fit for this position. He has also has served the County for a long time and is an accomplished manager of both people and projects," said County Commission Vice President Roger Layton.
The Department of Emergency Services will have three divisions: the Division of Emergency Planning and Risk Management, the Division of Emergency Communications, and the Division of Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Each Division will be overseen by an Assistant Director, each of which will be classified employees reporting to the Director. Cindy Towers has been named the Assistant Director for the Division of Emergency Planning and Risk Management and Kevin Gillespie has been named the Assistant Director for the Division of Emergency Medical Services. The position of Assistant Director for the Communications Division has not yet been filled. The equivalent position in place before the restructuring has been vacant since the passing of Curtis Harvey.
The Department of Emergency Services will be responsible for coordinating all emergency services for the County, including the County's disaster preparedness program, emergency communications system, and risk management program. Also among the Department's duties will be the provision of emergency medical services and the operation of emergency related services, including the coordination of volunteer fire suppression, rescue and EMS services.
"Obviously this is a change, but we are confident it is a positive one," said County Commissioner Jeff Ghrist. "Good government requires reevaluating the way services are provided and seizing opportunities to streamline administratively. Ultimately, it's about providing the best services possible to the people of Caroline County, in the most efficient manner."
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
This sounds like an efficient and cost effective plan. Does anyone know why the clowns on the Wicomico County Council won't do something like this?
ReplyDeleteI heard that Talbot County created a Department of Emergency Services as well?
This type of program would save the county tax payers millions of dollars a year in Wicomico County.
Wicomico 911 just dispatched an ambulance from Station 1 in Salisbury and the Fruitland Fire Department for an "MVC with Rollover and no Injuries." WTF!! The dispatcher then told the Paramedics that they had to dispatched them "due to new SOP's in their office." What idiot came up with that decision? Sending an ambulance and fire department to a car accident just because it rolled over? It was obvious to the person that called it in that there were no injuries so they dispatched an ambulance anyway? Who came up with that SOP? As expensive as it is to put fuel in these vehicles they dispatch them anyway just because a new SOP tells them to. This county is out of control with it's fire service. Who ever made that decision needs to be fired. Joe can you please look into this total waste of resources? What happens if someone's child gets run over by the ambulance or the fire truck? Who is liable for that mistake?
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