According to county officials on Saturday, James R. Pyles, the head of the Allegany County Dept of Emergency Services, has retired. Before Pyles was employed in 2019, Deputy Director Roger Bennett was named interim director, effective immediately. “According to a news release, the county has faith in his ability to facilitate a seamless transition and notes that he adds a “wealth of expertise” to the position.
He Was A Diligent Public Servant
The 36-year public service career of Pyles, which included over 26 years with the Maryland State Police, from which he retired in the rank of major, was highlighted by the Allegany County administration in the announcement. “County Commissioner Dave Caporale expressed via the announcement how appreciative we are of James’ leadership and services over the past five years.
“He has been a diligent public servant, & his work has enhanced the standard of emergency services across our county.” In an attempt to address a $2 million budget shortfall in the Department of Emergency Services, Pyles’ departure occurred roughly two months following after the county laid off 6 temporary emergency medical services crew members, changed the shifts at two stations, and updated staffing and overtime procedures.
Pyles Was The Director Of Security
The entire budget deficit of the county exceeded $13 million. Prior to the layoffs, county officials & the International Association of Firefighters Local 1715, which represents hundreds of DES employees, were at war over a solution to the financial shortage. The union claimed that any staff loss would cause response times to 911 calls to be delayed.
The head of the Allegany Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire Rescue Association, Jonathan Dayton, stated in a social media post on Saturday that the group “currently has no comment” and will make one later. The group also objected to the reduction. Citing media coverage of Baltimore and D.C. media outlets for their quick responses to 911 calls, county officials stated that Pyles was “important in modernizing the emergency response capabilities of the county.”
In addition to being a supporter of combating the opioid crisis, Pyles was the director of security for the Maryland Dept of Mental Health & Hygiene. One of his main duties was to speak out about the epidemic of addiction in public.