John Chuck Ternent

Public Safety Leader | Former Cumberland Chief of Police | Emergency Management & Disaster Recovery Expert

John Chuck Ternent- Cumberland, MD

Summary

Chuck Ternent is a seasoned public-safety professional with more than three decades of service spanning law enforcement, fire service, and emergency medical operations. A lifelong Western Maryland resident, he advanced through every rank of the Cumberland Police Department to become Chief of Police, having previously served as investigator, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and administrator.

Career Highlights in Law Enforcement and Public Safety

Progression to Chief of Police in Cumberland, Maryland

Throughout his tenure with the Cumberland Police Department, Ternent combined operational discipline with a consistent focus on community engagement. He maintained strong working partnerships with:

Municipal officials
State agencies
Regional public-safety leaders across Western Maryland

Department Leadership, Fiscal Oversight, and Accreditation

As Chief of Police, Ternent managed all departmental functions, including fiscal operations and accreditation programs. He emphasized:

Transparency in leadership and operations
Training and professional development
Adoption of CALEA-based standards to improve efficiency and reduce city liability

Major-Case Investigations and Modernization Initiatives

Earlier in his career, Ternent led major-case investigations and developed strategic initiatives focused on grants and public-safety technology. These efforts:

Secured vital funding through grants and partnerships
Supported modernization of local policing capabilities

Current Work in Disaster Recovery Coordination

Today, Ternent continues serving Western Maryland communities through disaster-recovery coordination, applying the same integrity and accountability that defined his law-enforcement career.

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Chuck Ternent in the Press