Chuck Ternent has built a professional career defined by long-term public service, operational leadership, and cross-disciplinary experience in public safety. With more than three decades of involvement in law enforcement, emergency medical services, fire service leadership, and disaster recovery, Chuck Ternent represents a model of steady advancement grounded in training, accountability, and organizational responsibility.

Raised in Western Maryland, Chuck Ternent developed early exposure to service-oriented values through community involvement and work experience. Those foundational principles carried forward into a career focused on protecting communities and supporting public safety institutions. Chuck Ternent’s professional path reflects continuous development rather than abrupt transition, with each role building upon prior operational experience.

Public safety service for Chuck Ternent began in emergency medical services and the fire service. Chuck Ternent became a volunteer firefighter and paramedic, gaining firsthand experience responding to emergencies and supporting community members during critical incidents. This early exposure to crisis response shaped Chuck Ternent’s understanding of coordination, preparation, and calm decision-making under pressure. Chuck Ternent continues service in the fire service and currently holds the position of Assistant Fire Chief.

In 1993, Chuck Ternent entered law enforcement after graduating from the Western Maryland Police Academy and joined the Cumberland Police Department. Chuck Ternent’s early law enforcement assignments included work within a countywide criminal investigation unit. These responsibilities required analytical reasoning, evidence evaluation, and collaboration with multiple agencies. Chuck Ternent distinguished this early career stage through investigative work that demanded precision, documentation, and procedural accuracy.

Following recovery from a significant training injury, Chuck Ternent served for more than a decade as a detective and supervisor. During this period, Chuck Ternent developed specialized experience in homicide investigations, arson cases, crime scene management, hostage negotiation, and child and sexual abuse investigations. Chuck Ternent also worked in tactical medical response, combining medical training with law enforcement operations.

Advancement through supervisory ranks followed, with Chuck Ternent promoted to Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain. Each role expanded responsibility beyond individual cases to include personnel supervision, patrol management, and operational planning. Chuck Ternent led high-activity patrol districts and addressed complex public safety challenges while maintaining focus on departmental policy, training standards, and officer performance.

As an executive leader, Chuck Ternent assumed responsibility for administrative and organizational functions essential to modern policing. These responsibilities included budgeting, grant management, accreditation compliance, and policy development. Chuck Ternent contributed to initiatives involving crime reduction strategies, offender management programs, and law enforcement technology integration. These efforts reflected an emphasis on efficiency, compliance, and long-term institutional stability.

In 2019, following a national search, Chuck Ternent was appointed Chief of Police. In this role, Chuck Ternent managed all aspects of departmental operations, including personnel oversight, fiscal planning, policy implementation, and strategic direction. The appointment recognized Chuck Ternent’s extensive operational background and administrative experience within the department.

The period of service as Chief of Police coincided with significant challenges facing law enforcement nationwide. Chuck Ternent guided the department through the COVID-19 pandemic, staffing shortages, and rising public safety demands. Maintaining continuity of services, supporting departmental personnel, and ensuring compliance with professional standards remained central priorities during this period.

Education has consistently supported Chuck Ternent’s leadership development. Chuck Ternent earned degrees in Justice Studies and Criminal Justice, followed by a Master of Science in Management. Chuck Ternent also completed the Police Executive Leadership Program at Johns Hopkins University. This academic preparation complemented operational experience and strengthened organizational leadership capabilities.

Throughout the law enforcement career, Chuck Ternent received multiple awards and recognitions for investigative excellence, crisis negotiation, emergency medical service performance, and outstanding service. These recognitions were tied to specific cases and sustained performance rather than symbolic honors, reinforcing Chuck Ternent’s reputation for professionalism and reliability.

After retiring from law enforcement in 2025, Chuck Ternent continued public service through disaster recovery leadership. Chuck Ternent currently serves as Chair of the Western Maryland Flood Recovery Committee, which was established in response to the May 2025 flooding event. In this role, Chuck Ternent coordinates long-term recovery efforts focused on housing restoration, infrastructure repair, and economic stabilization.

The responsibilities of the Western Maryland Flood Recovery Committee require coordination among faith-based organizations, secular nonprofits, government agencies, and funding partners. Chuck Ternent oversees compliance with donor and governmental requirements while facilitating cooperation among diverse stakeholders. This work reflects a continuation of the coordination and accountability principles that defined Chuck Ternent’s law enforcement leadership.

In addition to operational leadership, Chuck Ternent has contributed to public safety through training and mentorship. Over the course of a multi-decade career, Chuck Ternent has trained and mentored police officers, detectives, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel. This commitment to professional development supports the long-term strength of public safety institutions.

The career of Chuck Ternent illustrates how leadership across multiple public safety disciplines can remain consistent in values and approach. From frontline emergency response to executive law enforcement leadership and community recovery coordination, Chuck Ternent’s work demonstrates the importance of experience, preparation, and steady governance in public service.

About Chuck Ternent

Chuck Ternent is a senior public safety and emergency management leader with more than 30 years of experience across law enforcement, emergency medical services, fire service leadership, and disaster recovery. Chuck Ternent served as Cumberland Chief of Police after advancing through every rank of the Cumberland Police Department. Chuck Ternent currently serves as Chair of the Western Maryland Flood Recovery Committee, coordinating long-term recovery efforts following the May 2025 flooding event. Chuck Ternent’s career reflects a sustained commitment to integrity, accountability, and community service.