October 5th, 2024 by WCBC Radio

After five years of dedicated service, Allegany County Director of Emergency Services, James R. Pyles, has announced his retirement. A respected Maryland law enforcement veteran with over three decades of experience, Mr. Pyles was appointed Director of Emergency Services in 2019, following his distinguished career with the Maryland State Police, where he retired as a Major. During his tenure, Mr. Pyles was appointed as the county’s Emergency Manager by Governor Larry Hogan, and has led the department through a period of significant growth and development, enhancing emergency services for all Allegany County residents.

During his leadership, Mr. Pyles was not only instrumental in modernizing the county’s emergency response capabilities but also remained a passionate advocate for addressing the opioid epidemic. His efforts to raise awareness of this crisis and his unwavering support for youth programs have left a lasting impact on the community. Allegany County’s Department of Emergency Services gained national attention for its exceptional response times, consistently under ten minutes – an impressive feat for a rural area. This accomplishment was recognized by major media outlets, including FOX and ABC.

Reflecting on his tenure as Director, Mr. Pyles shared a personal decision: “When I accepted the position, I chose to forgo the county’s full-time benefits and pension. I have one pension from the Maryland State Police, and it’s not fair to the tax-paying citizens of Allegany County to fund a second pension,” he stated. “I am looking forward to spending more time with my family and continuing on to support our communities in any way that I can. I’m very proud of the work we’ve done and what we’ve accomplished over the last 5 years. I will continue to offer my full support to our county's Emergency Services team.”

"We are immensely grateful for James' leadership and contributions over the last five years. He has been a tireless public servant, and his work has improved the quality of emergency services in our county," said Dave Caporale, County Commissioner.

Effective immediately, Roger Bennett has been appointed Interim Director of Emergency Services. Mr. Bennett has served in this capacity previously and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. The County is confident in his ability to ensure a smooth transition and continue the department’s upward trajectory.

Allegany County expresses its heartfelt thanks to Mr. Pyles for his commitment and dedication to public service. We wish him the very best in his retirement.