Washington County Division of Emergency Services

06/18/2026

🌳🚨 Training for Tomorrow’s Emergencies🚨🌳

The Washington County Division of Emergency Services participated in specialized training today with Cumberland Valley Tree Service focused on tree-related emergencies and incident response.

From storm-damaged trees and blocked roadways to hazards impacting homes, utilities, and public safety, tree-related incidents can present significant challenges during severe weather and emergency events. This training provided valuable hands-on experience and strengthened coordination between emergency responders and industry professionals.

We appreciate Cumberland Valley Tree Service for sharing their expertise and helping our personnel enhance their knowledge and preparedness. Partnerships like these ensure we are better equipped to respond safely and effectively when our community needs us most.

06/18/2026

🚧 PROJECT UPDATE: Public Safety Training Center Tactical Village – Phase 2 🚧

Washington County continues to invest in the future of public safety training.

The next phase of development at the Public Safety Training Center Tactical Village, located at 18350 Public Safety Place, is currently in the design stage. Phase 2 will expand training opportunities for first responders through the addition of several specialized facilities, including:

🏢 High Bay training and storage building
🔹 Control building and pavilion with elevated observation area
📚 Instructional training building with classrooms, lockers, laundry, turnout gear storage, and personal hygiene facilities
🏬 Commercial storefront and simulation building for realistic training scenarios
🚒 Apparatus storage and firehouse simulation building
🚗 Vehicle instructional building
🐕 Canine training building with outdoor agility yard

Construction is anticipated to begin in 2027.

This expansion will further enhance Washington County's state-of-the-art training capabilities, ensuring our firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, and other first responders have access to realistic, modern training environments.

Projects like this would not be possible without the continued support and investment of the Washington County Board of County Commissioners, whose commitment to public safety helps ensure our first responders have the resources and facilities they need to train at the highest level.

Thank you to our project partners, the Washington County Division of Emergency Services, Washington County Sheriff's Office, Washington County Division of Engineering, and the community for your continued support as we build for the future of public safety.

06/15/2026

Recruit Class 8 is well underway in their training with the Washington County Division of Emergency Services, and we are excited to watch their continued growth and progress.

Over the coming months, these recruits will participate in extensive classroom instruction, hands-on training, and real-world scenarios designed to prepare them for the challenges of serving in emergency services. Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to learning will help build the skills needed to protect and serve our community.

We are proud of the effort they have shown so far and look forward to seeing all they accomplish throughout the academy. One day, when someone in our community needs help, these recruits will be ready to answer the call.

Good luck to Recruit Class 8 as they continue their journey toward a career of service to Washington County!

06/15/2026

Congratulations to Potomac Valley Fire Company on celebrating 60 years of dedicated service to the community.

For six decades, the volunteers, career staff, support members, and community partners of Potomac Valley Fire Company have worked tirelessly to protect and serve residents throughout the region. Washington County is grateful for their commitment, sacrifice, and continued service. Here’s to the next 60 years of keeping our community safe!

06/14/2026

06/12/2026

🧗‍♂️ Training Today. Ready Tomorrow.

Members of the Washington County Division of Emergency Services recently joined personnel from the Hagerstown Fire Department and Raven Rock Fire & Emergency Services for a rope rescue training exercise at High Rock.

Training in challenging, real-world environments helps responders maintain the specialized skills needed to safely conduct rescues in steep, remote, and difficult-to-access locations. These exercises also strengthen coordination and teamwork between agencies, ensuring a seamless response when emergencies occur.

During the training, crews completed two rescue scenarios. The first involved a stranded rock climber who had to be rescued using a technique known as a "pick-off," where the rescuer connects directly to the victim and safely lowers them to safety. The second scenario involved a patient who had fallen and required extraction using a Stokes basket, with a rescuer serving as the basket attendant to control the movement and maneuverability of the basket throughout the rescue.

Whether it's a hiker in distress, a technical rescue on rugged terrain, or another emergency in a difficult-to-reach location, our responders are constantly training to ensure they are prepared when you need them most.

🚒 Always training. Always prepared. Always ready to serve.

06/11/2026

🇺🇸 Washington County Government invites residents to attend a special Flag Day Ceremony on Sunday, June 14, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at 18350 Public safety Place, Hagerstown, MD 21740, as the community comes together to honor the history and significance of the American flag.

Observed each year on June 14, Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the United States flag by the Continental Congress in 1777. The resolution established the design of the flag as thirteen stripes, alternating red and white, with thirteen stars on a blue field representing a new constellation of states.

To read the full release, visit: https://conta.cc/4vGaZ3W

06/09/2026

Yesterday, members of the Washington County Board of County Commissioners had the opportunity to visit the Public Safety Training Center and meet with Firefighter/Fire Apparatus Operator Recruit Class 8 as they continue their journey toward serving our community.

The meet-and-greet gave Commissioners the chance to hear firsthand about the recruits' training, dedication, and commitment to a career in the fire service. These individuals are preparing to take on one of the most demanding and rewarding professions, protecting lives and property throughout Washington County.

We are grateful for their willingness to serve and for the hard work they are putting in to become the next generation of Firefighters and Fire Apparatus Operators. Their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to public safety reflect the strength of Washington County's emergency services community.

Please join us in wishing Firefighter/Fire Apparatus Operator Recruit Class 8 continued success as they complete their training and prepare to answer the call when our community needs them most. 🚒🔥

06/06/2026

🚨 DO NOT CALL 911 TO REPORT POWER OUTAGES 🚨

Please do not call 911 to report power outages.

Our emergency dispatchers must keep 911 lines available for life-threatening emergencies, fires, crashes, medical calls, and other urgent situations.

If you are experiencing a power outage, please report it directly to your electric utility provider. Utility companies are best equipped to track outages, assess damage, and dispatch repair crews.

By reporting outages through the proper channels, you help ensure that 911 remains available for those who need immediate emergency assistance.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping keep emergency services available when seconds matter.