St. Mary's County Department of Emergency Services

St. Mary's County Department of Emergency Services Providing 911 and Police Dispatch, Emergency Medical Services, and Emergency Management Strategies
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The St. Mary’s County Department of Emergency Services was proud to participate in National Night Out events across St. ...
08/05/2026

The St. Mary’s County Department of Emergency Services was proud to participate in National Night Out events across St. Mary’s County last night! 🚑🐾💛

We are grateful for the opportunity to connect with our community and to showcase the many services we provide including 9-1-1 Dispatch, Emergency Medical Services, and Animal Control. Building strong relationships and getting to know the community we serve is an important part of public safety, and events like National Night Out help strengthen those connections.

We also enjoyed speaking with community members about careers in public safety. Recruitment and retention begin with building relationships, sharing our passion for service, and inspiring the next generation of public safety professionals. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booths, asked questions, and spent time with us. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to seeing you at future community events!

This week, Public Safety Dispatch (PSD) Supervisor Christopher Miller attended the Be the Difference Conference, hosted ...
07/23/2026

This week, Public Safety Dispatch (PSD) Supervisor Christopher Miller attended the Be the Difference Conference, hosted by the Denise Amber Lee Foundation and The Healthy Dispatcher.

Throughout the conference, PSD Supervisor Miller gained valuable knowledge on supporting mental wellness in the communications center, recognizing the unique challenges faced by dispatchers, and strengthening his leadership and mentoring skills to better support both individual team members and the department as a whole.

The conference brings together public safety professionals from across the country to share their experiences and best practices for promoting mental health in emergency communications. One of the most impactful sessions featured a panel of dispatchers who handled several nationally significant incidents, including the Oklahoma City Bombing, the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, and the Las Vegas Harvest Festival shooting. Hearing firsthand accounts from those who managed these critical events provided valuable insight into decision-making during high-stress incidents, as well as the lasting effects those calls can have on dispatchers long after the emergency has ended.

We are proud of PSD Supervisor Miller's commitment to professional development and to supporting the well-being of our Public Safety Dispatchers. As a leader in our Emergency Communications Center, the knowledge and perspective he brings back from opportunities like this will help strengthen our team and ensure we continue fostering a healthy, resilient workplace for those who answer the call when our community needs them most.

PSD Supervisor Christopher Miller is pictured with Mr. Nathan Lee, President/Founder of the Denise Amber Lee Foundation

07/23/2026

RELEASE: Two cases of measles confirmed in residents of Southern Maryland after traveling out-of-state. Recognize symptoms and review potential exposure locations and times: bit.ly/4vHigzS.

07/17/2026

⚠️Code Red Air Quality Alert in Effect for St. Mary’s County ⚠️

This is to advise that a Code Red Air Quality Alert is in effect. It is recommended to avoid strenuous activity or exercise outdoors. Sensitive groups, such as children, elderly, and those with respiratory issues, may suffer more serious health effects.

Read our news release for more details:https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/pio/docs/2026-151NewsReleaseCodeRedAirQuality.pdf

Visit St. Mary's MD St. Mary's County Department of Emergency Services St. Mary’s County Health Department Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River Healthy St. Mary's Partnership St. Mary's County Economic Development St. Mary's County Department of Aging & Human Services St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office St. Mary's County Recreation & Parks Piney Point Lighthouse Museum and Historic Park Old Jail Museum - Leonardtown St. Clement's Island Museum Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack

07/14/2026

🌡️ Public Cooling Centers Open July 15–18

With dangerous heat expected this week, public cooling centers will be open Wednesday, July 15 through Saturday, July 18 for anyone who needs a cool place to escape the heat. Libraries, senior activity centers, the Three Oaks Center, and the St. Mary's Caring Soup Kitchen will be available during normal business hours.

Heat index values are forecast to reach 106°F. Remember to:
💧 Stay hydrated
❄️ Spend time in air-conditioned spaces when possible
☀️ Limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day
❤️ Check on neighbors, older adults, and anyone who may be more vulnerable to extreme heat
🐾 Bring pets indoors whenever possible and ensuring they always have access to fresh water and shade

ℹ️ Read the full News Release for details:https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/pio/docs/2026-149NewsReleaseCoolingCentersJuly15.pdf

Learn more about staying safe during extreme heat: https://www.ready.gov/heat


Commissioner Eric Colvin Scott Ostrow County Commissioner Randy Guy - Commissioner President Commissioner Mike Alderson Jr. St. Mary's County Library St. Mary's County Department of Aging & Human Services St Mary's County Department of Social Services St Marys County, MD St. Marys County Maryland St. Mary's County Commission for People with Disabilities St. Mary's Caring Soup Kitchen St. Mary's County Department of Emergency Services Maryland Department of Emergency Management- MDEM US National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington Healthy St. Mary's Partnership St. Mary’s County Health Department Three Oaks Center

☀️ Stay Hydrated this Fourth of July! 💧Extreme heat is expected across St. Mary's County today, so make hydration a prio...
07/04/2026

☀️ Stay Hydrated this Fourth of July! 💧

Extreme heat is expected across St. Mary's County today, so make hydration a priority while celebrating.

💦 Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
⚡ Add electrolytes if you're spending long periods outdoors or being active.
🧢 Take breaks in the shade or air conditioning when you can.
🐶👶🏼 Don't forget to check on children, older adults, and pets as they are especially vulnerable to the heat.

Whether you’re attending a community fireworks display or celebrating at home, remember these key tips to enjoy a fun an...
07/03/2026

Whether you’re attending a community fireworks display or celebrating at home, remember these key tips to enjoy a fun and safe holiday! 🇺🇸

🎆 Attending a fireworks display?
• Stay hydrated – extreme heat is expected in St. Mary’s County this holiday.
• Arrive early and expect heavy traffic before and after the show.
• Follow directions from event staff and public safety personnel.
• Never enter restricted or launch areas, even after the show has ended.
• Keep a close eye on children and establish a meeting point in case anyone gets separated.

🧨 Using legal fireworks at home?
• Never wear loose-fitting clothing when lighting fireworks.
• Always keep a bucket of water, hose, or fire extinguisher nearby.
• Light one firework at a time and move away quickly after lighting.
• Never relight a firework that doesn’t ignite.
• Point fireworks away from people, homes, vehicles, and anything flammable.
• Closely supervise children at all times and do not allow young children to handle fireworks.
• Soak used fireworks in water before throwing them away.

From all of us at the Department of Emergency Services, have a safe, fun, and happy Fourth of July! And as always, call 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency. ❤️🤍💙

This Fourth of July, help keep emergency lines available for those who need them most by knowing when to call 9-1-1 and ...
07/02/2026

This Fourth of July, help keep emergency lines available for those who need them most by knowing when to call 9-1-1 and when to use a non-emergency resource.

🚨 Call 9-1-1 if there is an immediate threat to life, safety, or property, or if someone needs urgent police, fire, or EMS assistance.
📞 Use a non-emergency number for situations that do not require an immediate emergency response, such as reporting minor concerns or requesting information.
💡 Looking for information about local events, road closures, noise ordinances, or fireworks? Check official websites and social media pages for the latest updates.

If you're ever unsure whether a situation is an emergency, don't hesitate to call 9-1-1. Our dispatchers are trained to assess the situation and make sure you get the appropriate help. ❤️🤍💙

A Heat Advisory is in effect for St. Mary's County from 11:00 AM today (July 1, 2026) until 8:00 PM tonight. An Extreme ...
07/01/2026

A Heat Advisory is in effect for St. Mary's County from 11:00 AM today (July 1, 2026) until 8:00 PM tonight. An Extreme Heat Watch is in effect for St. Mary’s County from July 2, 2026, at 11:00 AM until July 3, 2026, at 8:00 PM. 🌡🔥

Conditions will be dangerously hot, with heat index (feels like) temperatures of up to 113 degrees F possible. The possibility for heat related illnesses will be high.

💧 Drink plenty of fluids
🏠 Stay in an air-conditioned room
☀️ Stay out of the sun
👕 Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing
🏋️ Limit strenuous activity
❤️ Check on neighbors and loved ones, especially those adversely affected by heat such as the elderly, children, and pregnant women

It is important to know the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9-1-1 for anyone experiencing heat stroke or a heat related emergency.

After more than 32 years of dedicated service to the St. Mary's County Department of Emergency Services, Emergency Servi...
07/01/2026

After more than 32 years of dedicated service to the St. Mary's County Department of Emergency Services, Emergency Services Coordinator Mark Pettit has officially retired! 🌟👏

Mark began his career with the Department as a Public Safety Dispatcher, working in our original Public Safety building. Over the next two decades, he rose through the ranks of the Emergency Communications Center, serving as an Assistant Supervisor, Supervisor, and Acting Communications Manager as our agency grew and we transitioned to a new location. His leadership and commitment to public safety made a lasting impact on both the department and the community.

Later on, Mark transitioned to the Emergency Management Division as the Emergency Services Coordinator. In this role, he became a familiar face behind many of St. Mary's County's largest community events, helping ensure they were planned and operated safely. If you have helped to plan, operate, or even just attended events like the St. Mary's County Fair, Veterans Day Parade, Christmas on the Square, or countless others, chances are you've crossed paths with Mark or spotted him behind the wheel of UTV18.

Throughout his career, Mark has built strong partnerships with public safety agencies, community organizations, event organizers, and community members. His dedication, professionalism, and willingness to help others has left a lasting legacy that will continue to benefit our agency and community for years to come.

Please join us in congratulating Mark on his well-deserved retirement! Leave a comment below to congratulate Mark and thank him for his years of service! ❤️

Address

23090 Leonard Hall Drive
Leonardtown, MD
20650

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+13014754200

Website

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