County Commissioners Advance Public Safety Grants, Approve Police Protective Gear Purchase at Recent Meeting

The Washington County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) recently convened, taking actions to acknowledge critical awareness months and bolster public safety through grant approvals and protective gear purchases. The commissioners formally recognized April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, marking 25 years of dedicated advocacy, awareness, and prevention efforts within the community. During the meeting, local organizations and advocates underscored the pervasive nature of sexual violence, emphasizing the ongoing need for community education, robust survivor support systems, and effective prevention strategies. It was highlighted that a significant number of cases remain unreported, necessitating continued outreach initiatives. To further these efforts, a public awareness event is scheduled for April 18 at University Plaza, featuring local organizations, resource tables, and programming designed for survivors.

In addition to recognizing sexual assault awareness, the BOCC also issued a proclamation observing April 12–18, 2026, as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. This acknowledgment highlighted the indispensable role of emergency dispatchers, who serve as the critical first point of contact during emergencies. The Washington County Emergency Communications Center demonstrated the volume of their work, having managed over 184,000 calls in 2025, an average of more than 500 calls daily. The proclamation recognized the telecommunicators for their professionalism, resilience, and unwavering commitment while managing high-stress situations. Their contributions are vital in providing essential support to first responders, ensuring public safety by gathering crucial information that allows emergency personnel to arrive safely and respond effectively.

The Board also advanced public safety initiatives by approving the submission of applications and the acceptance of funding for two significant grant proposals. The Washington County Detention Center Day Reporting Center received approval to seek federal funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance. This funding is earmarked for the expansion of veteran-focused services within the Veterans Treatment Court, aiming to provide coordinated case management, clinical support, peer services, and diversion programs for individuals facing behavioral health challenges. If awarded, this grant is expected to play a key role in reducing recidivism and improving long-term outcomes for veterans and their families. Furthermore, the Board greenlit the request to apply for and accept grant funding for the Maryland Sex Offender Registry program through the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy. This funding, if secured, will bolster the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in their efforts to enforce Maryland law pertaining to sex offender registration and re-registration requirements, thereby supporting ongoing public safety endeavors throughout the county.

In other business, the Board of County Commissioners approved various purchase awards and contract renewals across multiple county departments. They also received an update on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, which included details on the General Fund and Transit operations, encompassing fixed-route, paratransit, and workforce transportation services supported by federal, state, and local funding.

One of the items of particular public interest was the purchase of protective gear Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Hagerstown Police Department for civil disturbances. The Civil Disturbance Unit was established in 1999, and the last time the equipment had been refreshed was 2016, according to county documents. “The personal protective equipment is specifically manufactured and certified to be fire-resistant, and the updated equipment will provide protection from projectiles thrown in the event that members are engaged in a civil disturbance incident,” according to the meeting agenda.

“Most of if not all of our gear is outdated,” said Sheriff Brian Albert in a statement to Radio Free Hub City. “Similar to body armor expiration. Plus with turnover of personnel we needed to update equipment.”

“The [purchase] is a replacement of outdated or worn out equipment,” said County Administrator Michelle Gordon. “The equipment is needed for officer and public safety. This unit was dispatched to assist with the Baltimore riots in 2015.”

Not everyone however supported the decision. “Today’s 3-0 vote sends a chilling message to the people of Washington County: instead of listening to residents raising legitimate concerns about the proposed ICE detention warehouse, county leadership has chosen to spend nearly $118,000 preparing for unrest,” said Amber Dwyer of Hagerstown Rapid Response. “We showed up with signs, chalk, and a bubble machine. The commissioners responded with riot gear.”

The County Commissioners approved the $118,639.30 purchase under an inter-governmental purchase agreement.

A presentation was also made regarding the 2025 impact of the Humane Society of Washington County (HSWC). The HSWC reported providing services to over 4,800 animals and maintaining a 90% live release rate, supported by nearly 10,000 volunteer hours. The organization noted expansions in foster and field services during 2025 but also highlighted ongoing challenges related to veterinary staffing and the provision of accessible spay/neuter services for the community.

Additionally, the Board received a presentation on the 2026 Transportation Priorities Letter. A consensus was reached to submit this letter to the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). This annual letter outlines the county’s requests for state transportation priorities within the upcoming Consolidated Transportation Program. Additional matters were addressed during the meeting, with full details available for viewing on YouTube.

Upcoming Board of County Commissioners meetings are scheduled for April 28, 2026, which will include a regular meeting and an evening session with the Town of Smithsburg. May 5, 2026, will feature a regular meeting and an evening session dedicated to the FY27 Budget Presentation, to be held at the Public Safety Training Center. Regular meetings are also scheduled for May 12 and May 19, 2026.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Board of County Commissioners

---