St. Mary's County Department of Emergency Services

06/23/2026

Some days bring sunshine, some bring storms, but every day, we're here for St. Mary's County.

From emergency notifications and preparedness efforts to answering 911 calls and coordinating emergency response, our team works around the clock to help keep our community safe. 🌈

06/21/2026

Air Show Traffic & Gate Information ✈️

Q: Why aren’t police letting cars through when the light is green?
A: Deputies may temporarily hold traffic at signalized intersections to prevent congestion from backing up and blocking intersections. Keeping intersections clear helps traffic continue moving safely and efficiently.

Q: Which gate should I use?
A: Both Gate 1 and Gate 2 provide access to the air show.

Q: Is one gate less busy?
A: Traffic conditions change throughout the day, but Gate 2 is often less congested than Gate 1.

Q: Traffic looks backed up. What should I do?
A: Be patient, follow traffic directions, and watch for law enforcement officers on foot assisting with traffic flow.

Q: Can I stop on the shoulder to watch aircraft or take photos?
A: No. Please keep moving and park only in designated areas.

Q: How can I help keep traffic moving?
A: Stay alert, avoid blocking intersections and driveways, and follow all posted signs and directions from traffic control personnel.

Q: What if I need emergency assistance?
A: Call 911 for emergencies.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to keep everyone safe while enjoying the NAS Patuxent River Air Show.

06/18/2026

✈️ We are just as excited to welcome the Pax River Air Show back to St. Mary’s County as you are! As one of the largest events our community hosts, a little preparation can go a long way toward ensuring a safe and enjoyable weekend for everyone.

Sheriff Hall and Commanding Officer Captain Zematis said it best…please remember to be patient and follow guidance from our public safety partners, event staff, and volunteers who will be working throughout the Air Show.

Remember these emergency preparedness tips if you are planning to attend this weekend:
📱 Be informed – Subscribe to the official Pax River Air Show emergency alerts channel by texting "Join PaxAirShow" to 58339.
💧 Stay hydrated – Official rules on what you can and cannot bring into the Air Show with you can be found at paxriverairshow.com.
🌦️ Monitor the weather – Dress appropriately for the forecast and be prepared for heat, sun, or changing conditions.
🚗 Expect traffic delays – The large crowds attending this event will create traffic impacts throughout the area, especially before and after the show.

We can't wait to see everyone enjoying this amazing event, and as always, we will be there behind the scenes to help ensure a safe event for all. 🚑🚒🚓

Have fun, stay safe, and enjoy the show! 💙💛

06/17/2026

We are proud to announce that six staff members of the St. Mary’s County Department of Emergency Services have successfully completed the St. Mary’s County Government 2026 Emerging Leader Program! 🏆🌟👏

This six-month program is designed for early to mid-career professionals within St. Mary’s County Government to strengthen their leadership skills and build collaborative relationships across departments. Participants engaged in coursework on a variety of topics, including effective communication, conflict management, leadership styles, and emotional intelligence.

We are incredibly proud of these employees for their dedication to personal and professional growth and are excited to see them bring the knowledge, skills, and fresh perspectives they gained through this program back to our department. Their commitment to continuous learning helps strengthen our organization and better prepares us to serve the citizens of St. Mary’s County.

Pictured L to R: EMS Lieutenant Amy Miller, CAD Technician Kristy Sprouse, Public Safety Dispatcher Elizabeth Wockenfuss
Graduates not pictured: Public Safety Dispatch Assistant Supervisor Tammy Hilburn, Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor Savannah Schreiber, EMS Lieutenant Tammie Raley

06/17/2026

✈️ Heading to the Pax River Air Show this weekend (June 20-21)? Don't miss important updates! Stay ahead of weather changes, emergency messages, and event alerts by joining the official Air Show emergency alert channel.

📱 Text "Join PaxAirShow" to 58339 before you go!

Don't get left out in the rain...
Text "Join Paxairshow" to 58339 to get emergency messages, weather notices, and other alerts from the Pax River Air Show.
Brought to you by ReGroup.

St. Mary's County Government St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division

06/11/2026

🥵 It’s a hot one out there today!

⚠️ St. Mary’s County is under a Heat Advisory from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. today, with heat index values (what it actually feels like) reaching up to 105°F.

Stay safe during the extreme heat:
🏠 Stay indoors when possible
☀️ Limit prolonged time outdoors, especially for physical work or exercise
💧 Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated if you must be outside
🐾 Bring pets indoors and make sure they have plenty of water
🚑 Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke

Check on elderly family members, neighbors, and anyone who may be vulnerable to the heat. A quick phone call can make a big difference.

Stay cool, St. Mary’s County! ❄️

06/10/2026

Please join us in congratulating Public Safety Dispatch (PSD) Supervisor Lee Milburn on being recognized by the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County as a recipient of the 2026 Safety Matters Employee Award! 👏🏆

This County-wide award honors employees who are nominated by their coworkers for consistently demonstrating involvement and leadership in creating and maintaining safety at work for themselves, their coworkers, and the citizens of St. Mary’s County.

PSD Supervisor Milburn was nominated for her proactive approach to safety, consistently identifying potential hazards, offering guidance before issues arise, and fostering a culture of care and accountability within our Emergency Communications Center (ECC). In emergency services, safety is always a priority and PSD Supervisor Milburn leads by example every single day. Known for her thoughtful leadership and genuine care for her team, PSD Supervisor Milburn works tirelessly to ensure a safe, organized, and supportive environment for fellow dispatchers and the citizens of St. Mary’s County. From on-the-job training to preventative corrective actions, her dedication to safety and professionalism is evident in everything she does. 🚨☎️

We are incredibly proud of PSD Supervisor Milburn for this well-deserved recognition and grateful for the positive example she continues to set for our Department and our community. Congratulations, Lee! 🎉

Pictured L to R: Deputy Director Kiersten Shea, PSD Supervisor Lee Milburn, Assistant Communications Manager David Morris

06/04/2026

5/26/26 UPDATE: Additional Testing of Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant Sirens Scheduled for June 3-5, Following June 1 Full-System Test.

🚨 A full-cycle test of the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant alert and notification sirens will take place on Monday, June 1, 2026, at noon across St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Dorchester counties.

🆕 Additional testing of the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant
emergency warning sirens is scheduled to take place Wednesday, June 3 through Friday, June 5, 2026, at various intervals throughout the day.

This scheduled testing helps ensure the siren system is operating properly and increases public awareness of emergency notification procedures.

If sirens sound at any other time, community members should tune in to local radio stations for official information and instructions.

Preparedness matters — knowing what to do before, during, and after an emergency can make all the difference when seconds count.

🔗 Learn more and prepare for potential emergencies: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/em

ℹ️ Full News Release:https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/pio/docs/2026-117NewsReleaseSirenTesting.pdf

🆕 5/26/26 UPDATE ON ADDITIONAL TESTING:https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/pio/docs/2026-119NewsReleaseSirenTesting.pdf

Calvert County Government, Calvert County, Maryland Dorchester County - Government St Marys County, MD St. Marys County Maryland Maryland Emergency Management Association St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack Naval Air Station Patuxent River

06/02/2026

🚑 Please join us in congratulating Alexandra Barnaby on her promotion to Lieutenant! 👏

Lieutenant Barnaby became an Emergency Medical Technician in 2016 and has proudly served with the Department of Emergency Services EMS Division since its inception in 2021. During her time with the Department, she continued advancing her education and earned her Paramedic certification, further strengthening her ability to serve the citizens and visitors of St. Mary’s County.

Lt. Barnaby has consistently demonstrated dedication, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence in patient care and service. The Department of Emergency Services is excited to welcome her to the EMS leadership team, and we are confident she will continue to make a lasting impact in her new role.

Congratulations, Lt. Barnaby! 🎉

06/01/2026

⛈️ The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released its official predictions for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season!

🌀 Prediction: Below-normal activity
📅 Season Dates: June 1 – November 30, 2026
📊 Forecast: 8–14 named storms, with the potential for 1–3 major hurricanes

While this season is predicted to be less active, it only takes one storm to make an impact. Stay weather aware, have a plan, and be prepared throughout hurricane season.

📲 Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts and weather notifications through the St. Mary’s County Regroup Emergency Notification System. Visit stmaryscountymd.gov/alert for more information and to sign up.

Stay informed. Stay prepared. Stay safe. 🚨