(5/2019) There is much going on with the County Council, but I wanted to
devote this column to what I have discovered now almost 5 months into this new
job. One of the joys of this new position has been the pleasure of learning the
inner workings of Frederick County Government and the special nature of its
employees and volunteers. The professionalism and dedication of the
hard-working county employees and volunteers I have worked with has simply been
tremendous to experience.
The Sheriff’s Department, Parks and Recreation, Animal Control, and Fire and
Rescue Services are essential services and are truly where the rubber meets the
road for local government and where your tax dollars have a meaningful impact.
First, I was fortunate to be able to do a ride along with the Sheriff’s
Department on a Saturday night. I understand that the Sheriff makes this
available to citizens in general and it is certainly a worthwhile experience.
The Deputy I was riding with was first on the scene of a domestic disturbance
where a weapon was reported in the house. Racing to the scene with adrenaline
rising made me really appreciate what our officers do to protect and serve the
community every day. When encountering an unknown and dangerous situation, such
as this, these dedicated men and women literally put it all on the line to
serve their communities proudly. Officers not only have to be brave but have to
know how to engage and serve diplomatically in so many varied situations. The
weekend I rode along, the Sheriff’s Office alone responded to an astounding 716
calls for service!
For a different type of community service, I associate many of the Holidays,
including Christmas and most recently Easter, with making memories at an
absolute hidden gem in Frederick -- Rose Hill Manor. The home of the first
Governor of Maryland, Thomas Johnnson, is so much more than a historic site and
Farm Museum. It has become a gathering place for festivals and celebrations.
The Easter Egg Roll had a wonderful turnout. Families of all ages enjoyed the
petting zoo, ring toss games, easter egg hunts, vendors, crafts, hay rides,
food trucks, and even the Easter Bunny. This event, and the others put on in
summer, fall, and winter put on by the staff of the Parks and Recreation
Department employees and volunteers are truly can’t miss events for families
with wholesome entertainment that can’t be beat in Frederick County.
Next, animal Control is a service that you may not think much about until
you need it. There are only 5 officers that cover the whole county to trap,
treat, investigate, and transport wild animals of all kinds across the county.
Every year, thousands of animals are taken in by Animal Control and thousands
are adopted by willing families. I took my 7 and 9 year old daughters along
with me to tour Animal Control and learn more about the dedicated staff and
volunteers that care for the animals. It is evident how much this staff and
these volunteers are invested in providing for the animals of Frederick County.
We saw scores of cats, dogs, kittens, and even roosters and a pig. We even left
with two kittens of our own, Harry and Oreo (named by my daughters).
Finally, I can’t say enough about the Frederick County Fire and Rescue
Services both volunteer and career. These are people who literally run into
burning buildings and respond to medical emergencies at all hours of the day
and night to serve their communities. I have been to the awards banquets from
Emmitsburg to Brunswick and everywhere in between to honor these volunteers.
They are the definition of community servants, and truly represent what is best
about Frederick County.
These often overlooked employees and volunteers in each of these areas make
me feel proud about what we can do and are doing together to form a safe, fun,
and caring community here in Frederick County.