John Chuck Ternent

Chuck Ternent has devoted his career to public service across every discipline of emergency response. Beginning as a volunteer firefighter and paramedic, he gained firsthand experience managing crises and supporting residents throughout Allegany County. In 1993, he graduated from the Western Maryland Police Academy and joined the Cumberland Police Department, progressing through investigative, supervisory, and executive positions.

Over time, he became recognized for expertise in homicide, arson, fraud, and crisis negotiation, maintaining exceptional clearance rates and leading inter-jurisdictional investigations. As an administrator, he managed policy development, budgeting, records, and accreditation. Under his direction, the department achieved its first CALEA accreditation in 2014 and re-accreditation in 2018. He authored strategic and community-policing plans, secured state and federal grants—including COPS Hiring Program funding—and implemented statewide offender-management initiatives.

Ternent’s education includes a Master of Science in Management and a Police Executive Leadership Program certificate from Johns Hopkins University, a B.S. in Justice Studies from Frostburg University, and an A.A. in Criminal Justice from Allegany College. His honors range from Maryland Governor’s Citations for outstanding homicide investigations to Firefighter of the Year awards and crisis-negotiation commendations.

Today, he continues his commitment to service as Chair of the Western Maryland Flood Recovery Committee, coordinating long-term recovery and infrastructure restoration efforts. His record exemplifies integrity, professional competence, and steadfast dedication to community resilience.