February 8th, 2019 by WCBC Radio

Longstanding law enforcement executive and a leading authority on the opioid crisis James Pyles was unanimously appointed by the Allegany County Commissioners as the new the county’s new Director of Emergency Services. Pyles, retired Maryland State Police major and director of safety and security for the Maryland Department of Health, replaces Dick Devore who took early retirement in January. The abrupt exit of Devore combined with the termination of EMS division Chief Robert Pattison just a week earlier has led to widespread speculation and rumors as to what precipitated those changes- however the county hasn’t commented as they are personnel matters. Pyles told WCBC News that no matter what has occurred, he anticipates a smooth transition