Washington County Division of Emergency Services

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.

05/28/2026

Emergency crews are currently operating on I-70 Westbound in the area of the 15 mile marker, just prior to Boyd Road, following a bus fire involving a bus carrying 53 passengers from Ohio. We are thankful to report that everyone safely exited the bus and no one was transported from the scene.

The passengers are currently being sheltered at the Clear Spring Fire Company Bingo Hall while arrangements are made for a replacement bus, which is expected to arrive in approximately 1.5 hours.

Thank you to all responding agencies for their quick actions and continued support during this incident.