Chuck Ternent Reflects on a Career of Public Safety Leadership and Ongoing Community Recovery Work

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Chuck Ternent

Chuck Ternent, former Cumberland Chief of Police and longtime public safety leader, continues to apply decades of experience to emergency management and disaster recovery efforts in Western Maryland.
CUMBERLAND, Md. - Chuck Ternent, a veteran public safety professional with more than 30 years of experience across law enforcement, emergency medical services, fire service leadership, and disaster recovery, remains actively engaged in public service following his retirement from law enforcement. Known for advancing through every rank of the Cumberland Police Department before serving as Chief of Police, Ternent's career reflects a sustained commitment to leadership, accountability, and community resilience.

Throughout his professional life, Chuck Ternent [https://www.newstrail.com/how-chuck-ternents-public-safety-experience-shapes-community-recovery/] has worked across multiple public safety disciplines, bringing operational and investigative experience to complex environments. His career began in emergency services as a volunteer firefighter and paramedic before transitioning into law enforcement in 1993, when he joined the Cumberland Police Department after graduating from the Western Maryland Police Academy. Early assignments placed him within a countywide criminal investigation unit, where he focused on analytical work and major investigations.

Over the following decades, Chuck Ternent [https://www.tidewaternews.com/business/lessons-in-leadership-from-chuck-ternent/] served in investigative and supervisory roles that included homicide, arson, crime scene investigation, hostage negotiation, child and sexual abuse investigations, and tactical medical response. His experience in these areas informed later leadership positions, where he was responsible for managing personnel, policy development, accreditation, and departmental operations.

Ternent advanced through the ranks to Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain, leading patrol districts and managing complex operational challenges. In executive roles, he oversaw grant administration, accreditation programs, and the implementation of technology and crime-reduction initiatives. His work emphasized professional standards, officer development, and coordination with partner agencies.

In 2019, following a national search process, Chuck Ternent [https://hereisnewyork.org/resilient-leadership-how-chuck-ternent-strengthens-communities-through-service/] was appointed Chief of Police. During his tenure, he led the department through a period marked by civil unrest, the COVID-19 pandemic, staffing shortages, and rising crime trends. His leadership during this time focused on maintaining operational continuity, supporting personnel, and sustaining public safety services under demanding conditions.

After retiring from law enforcement in 2025, Chuck Ternent [https://stockhausen.org/leadership-after-the-badge-how-chuck-ternent-continues-to-serve-through-community-resilience/] transitioned his focus to long-term community recovery. He currently serves as Chair of the Western Maryland Flood Recovery Committee, where he leads coordinated efforts among faith-based organizations, secular nonprofits, and government partners following the devastating May 2025 flooding in the region. In this role, he oversees recovery planning, funding coordination, and compliance with donor and governmental requirements, supporting housing restoration, infrastructure repair, and community stabilization.

Colleagues and partners have noted that Ternent's approach to recovery leadership reflects the same principles that defined his law enforcement career: collaboration, accountability, and a focus on practical outcomes. His work continues to center on strengthening institutions and helping communities navigate the challenges that follow large-scale emergencies.

Across all phases of his career, Chuck Ternent [https://www.speedmynet.info/community-trust-and-ethical-leadership-in-public-safety-the-legacy-of-chuck-ternent/] has emphasized mentorship and professional development. He has trained and guided police officers, detectives, firefighters, EMTs, and other public safety professionals, contributing to workforce readiness and interagency cooperation. His experience across disciplines has positioned him as a resource for organizations seeking informed leadership grounded in real-world operations.

As Western Maryland's recovery efforts continue to evolve, Chuck Ternent remains engaged in service-oriented leadership that reflects decades of experience in public safety and emergency management. His ongoing work underscores a career defined not by individual recognition, but by sustained commitment to community safety and resilience.

About Chuck Ternent

Chuck Ternent is a senior public safety and emergency management leader with more than 30 years of experience spanning law enforcement, fire service, emergency medical services, and disaster recovery. He rose through every rank of the Cumberland Police Department and served as Chief of Police following a national search.

Currently, Chuck Ternent serves as Chair of the Western Maryland Flood Recovery Committee, coordinating long-term recovery efforts following the May 2025 flooding. His work continues to focus on community resilience, accountability, and collaborative public service.
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