October 18th, 2019 by WCBC Radio
CUMBERLAND – The Allegany County Department of Emergency Services announced Wednesday, October 16 that Interim EMS Chief Christopher Biggs has been named the permanent replacement, according to Emergency Services Director James Pyles.
“It is with great honor that we named Chief Biggs as the permanent EMS Chief for Allegany County,” Pyles said. “His dedication to his staff, students and community is extraordinary.”
Biggs’ career with Allegany County Department of Emergency Service began in 2007 as a station paramedic. Over the years he has worked out of various stations within the county. His strong passion for EMS education led him to the EMS Division Training Officer position and to Assistant Chief of EMS in 2017.
Biggs has been the Interim EMS Chief since December 2018, according to Pyles.
“It is an honor to continue my work with Allegany County,” Biggs said. “We have some of the strongest, selfless clinicians providing the highest quality patient care to the citizens of this great county.”
Pyles added that Biggs, a decorated Navy Veteran has over 30 years experience in the emergency medical services field.
“I was an EMT when I turned 16,” Biggs said. “At that time I wasn’t old enough to get my national certification. I had to wait until I was 18.”
Biggs obtained his paramedic certification from George Washington University School of Medicine in Fairfax, Va. in 1995.
Biggs continues to be nationally registered and certified in Maryland and West Virginia. He is also certified in Advanced Counter Narcotics and Terrorism Operation Support, a Maryland Fire and Rescue Advanced Life Support Instructor, a Garrett College Advanced Life Support Instructor, a tactical medic and fire officer certified.
“Chief Biggs is always trying to improve and continue his education,” Pyles said. “A trait that he instills in the staff he works with.”
“We never stop learning. I want my staff and officers to be the best they can be,” Biggs said. “I don’t want them to settle for anything less.”
Biggs’ work history includes being a paramedic/firefighter with the City of Winchester, Va. Fire Department; Paramedic with Fort A.P. Hill EMS; and Lieutenant of Special Operations and Paramedic with LifeCare Medical Transport, Fredericksburg Va.
“I believe that every experience in life, puts you on a path, right where you are suppose to be,” Biggs said. “I want to thank my family and friends that have supported me on my journey…a journey that has led me here.”
“Chief Biggs’ experience has allowed him to educate, mentor and mold young, aspiring EMS professionals into great providers,” Pyles added. “He takes young, naive and under-confident EMTs and medics and makes them great.”
The announcement of Chief Biggs is the second major announcement from the Department of Emergency Services over the past week. He will directly supervisor four shift lieutenants and oversees approximately 75 full and part time EMS Division employees. His office will remain at the DES-Frostburg location on West Main Street.
