Chuck Ternent has dedicated more than three decades to public safety through a career defined by consistency, preparation, and service across multiple disciplines. With experience spanning law enforcement, emergency medical services, fire service leadership, and disaster recovery coordination, Chuck Ternent’s professional record reflects a steady progression rooted in accountability and operational responsibility.
Chuck Ternent’s introduction to public safety began with direct emergency response. Serving as a volunteer firefighter and paramedic, Chuck Ternent gained early experience responding to medical emergencies and critical incidents. These roles required calm decision-making, teamwork, and adherence to established procedures. Chuck Ternent continues service in the fire service and currently holds the position of Assistant Fire Chief, maintaining active engagement in emergency operations.
In 1993, Chuck Ternent joined the Cumberland Police Department after graduating from the Western Maryland Police Academy. Early assignments placed Chuck Ternent within a countywide criminal investigation unit. This role required coordination with multiple agencies and careful attention to investigative standards. Chuck Ternent’s work during this period focused on analytical case development and procedural accuracy.
After overcoming a significant training injury, Chuck Ternent continued professional development through investigative and supervisory assignments. For more than a decade, Chuck Ternent served as a detective and supervisor, working on homicide investigations, arson cases, crime scene analysis, hostage negotiations, and child and sexual abuse investigations. Chuck Ternent also participated in tactical medical response operations, integrating emergency medical training with law enforcement responsibilities.
Advancement through the supervisory ranks followed, with Chuck Ternent promoted to Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain. These roles expanded responsibility to include personnel supervision, patrol district management, and operational planning. Chuck Ternent led high-activity patrol districts and addressed complex public safety challenges requiring structured leadership and consistent oversight.
Executive leadership roles brought broader organizational responsibilities. Chuck Ternent managed departmental budgets, grants, accreditation programs, and policy development initiatives. A significant focus of this work involved maintaining professional standards and ensuring compliance with recognized accreditation frameworks. Chuck Ternent contributed to initiatives involving crime reduction strategies, offender management programs, and law enforcement technology.
In 2019, Chuck Ternent was appointed Chief of Police following a national search process. As Cumberland Chief of Police, Chuck Ternent assumed responsibility for all departmental operations, including personnel management, fiscal oversight, and strategic planning. The appointment reflected confidence in Chuck Ternent’s long-standing experience and institutional knowledge.
The period of service as Chief of Police coincided with significant challenges for law enforcement agencies nationwide. Chuck Ternent guided the department through the COVID-19 pandemic, staffing shortages, and evolving public safety demands. Throughout this period, maintaining continuity of service and supporting departmental personnel remained central priorities.
Education has consistently supported Chuck Ternent’s leadership development. Chuck Ternent earned degrees in Criminal Justice and Justice Studies, 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 executive leadership capabilities.
Throughout the career, Chuck Ternent received multiple awards and commendations recognizing investigative excellence, crisis negotiation, emergency medical service performance, and sustained professional service. These recognitions reflected long-term commitment and adherence to professional standards rather than isolated accomplishments.
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 formed 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 align with donor and governmental requirements. This role reflects continuity in leadership philosophy from law enforcement to disaster recovery coordination.
Across all stages of service, Chuck Ternent has contributed to public safety through mentorship and training. Chuck Ternent has trained and mentored police officers, detectives, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel, supporting professional development and institutional continuity.
The career of Chuck Ternent demonstrates how consistency and preparation support effective public safety leadership. From emergency response and investigative work to executive law enforcement leadership and community recovery coordination, Chuck Ternent’s professional path reflects sustained commitment to service and organizational responsibility.
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 consistent leadership grounded in accountability, professionalism, and public service.