Chuck Ternent has built a career centered on professional standards, accountability, and long-term service within public safety institutions. With more than 30 years of experience across law enforcement, emergency medical services, fire service leadership, and disaster recovery, Chuck Ternent’s professional path demonstrates how consistent adherence to standards supports effective leadership and organizational stability.
Chuck Ternent’s commitment to public service began with hands-on emergency response. As a volunteer firefighter and paramedic, Chuck Ternent gained early exposure to crisis situations requiring preparation, coordination, and disciplined decision-making. These roles provided practical experience responding to emergencies while reinforcing the importance of training and procedural compliance. Chuck Ternent continues to serve in the fire service and currently holds the position of Assistant Fire Chief, maintaining active involvement in emergency operations.
In 1993, Chuck Ternent joined the Cumberland Police Department after graduating from the Western Maryland Police Academy. Early assignments included work within a countywide criminal investigation unit, where Chuck Ternent handled complex cases that required strict adherence to investigative protocols and evidence standards. This phase of Chuck Ternent’s career emphasized accuracy, documentation, and coordination with partner agencies.
Following recovery from a serious training injury, Chuck Ternent continued service as a detective and supervisor for more than a decade. During this time, Chuck Ternent developed specialized experience in homicide investigations, arson cases, crime scene processing, hostage negotiation, and child and sexual abuse investigations. Chuck Ternent also worked in tactical medical response, integrating emergency medical knowledge with law enforcement operations during critical incidents.
As Chuck Ternent advanced through the supervisory ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain, responsibilities expanded to include oversight of personnel, patrol operations, and policy implementation. Chuck Ternent led high-activity patrol districts and addressed operational challenges that required consistency, clear supervision, and compliance with departmental standards. These roles reinforced the importance of structured leadership and procedural clarity.
Executive leadership roles further broadened Chuck Ternent’s responsibilities. Chuck Ternent managed budgets, grants, accreditation requirements, and departmental policies. A significant focus of Chuck Ternent’s administrative work involved accreditation and risk management, ensuring departmental operations aligned with recognized professional benchmarks. Under Chuck Ternent’s leadership, the department achieved and maintained accreditation through nationally recognized standards, improving organizational accountability and operational effectiveness.
In 2019, Chuck Ternent was appointed Chief of Police following a national search. As Cumberland Chief of Police, Chuck Ternent assumed full responsibility for departmental operations, personnel management, fiscal oversight, and strategic planning. The role required balancing daily operational demands with long-term organizational objectives, all within a framework of professional standards and public accountability.
The tenure as Chief of Police occurred during a period of significant challenge for law enforcement agencies nationwide. Chuck Ternent guided the department through the COVID-19 pandemic, staffing limitations, and evolving public safety demands. Maintaining continuity of service, supporting personnel, and ensuring compliance with professional expectations remained core priorities throughout this period.
Education has consistently supported Chuck Ternent’s leadership approach. Chuck Ternent earned degrees in Criminal Justice and Justice Studies and completed a Master of Science in Management. Chuck Ternent also completed the Police Executive Leadership Program at Johns Hopkins University. This academic background reinforced executive-level decision-making, organizational management, and strategic planning capabilities.
Throughout the career, Chuck Ternent received multiple awards and commendations recognizing investigative excellence, crisis negotiation, emergency medical service performance, and sustained service. These recognitions reflected consistent professional conduct rather than isolated accomplishments, reinforcing Chuck Ternent’s reputation for reliability and adherence to standards.
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, established in response to the May 2025 flooding event. In this role, Chuck Ternent coordinates long-term recovery initiatives focused on housing restoration, infrastructure repair, and economic recovery.
The work of the Western Maryland Flood Recovery Committee requires collaboration among faith-based organizations, secular nonprofits, government agencies, and funding partners. Chuck Ternent oversees coordination and compliance efforts, ensuring recovery initiatives meet donor and governmental requirements. This role reflects continuity in leadership philosophy, emphasizing accountability, coordination, and structured oversight.
Across every phase of service, Chuck Ternent has contributed to public safety through mentorship and professional development. Chuck Ternent has trained and mentored police officers, detectives, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel, supporting the transfer of knowledge and reinforcing professional standards within public safety organizations.
The career of Chuck Ternent illustrates how adherence to professional standards strengthens public safety institutions over time. From emergency response to investigative work, executive leadership, and disaster recovery coordination, Chuck Ternent’s professional record demonstrates the value of consistency, preparation, and disciplined leadership in service to communities.
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 sustained leadership grounded in professional standards, accountability, and public service.
