The Allegany County Board of County Commissioners last week unanimously appointed longstanding law enforcement executive James R. Pyles was as Director of Emergency Services. Mr. Pyles fills the position vacated by Mr. Richard DeVore in January.

According to a press release:

“Jim Pyles is the right person in the right position for the right time,” commented Commission President Jake Shade.

Mr. Pyles has had an extensive career serving the people of Allegany County and the State of Maryland in various roles. In addition to his 26 1/2 year career with the Maryland State Police, Mr. Pyles recently served as the Director of Safety and Security and Chief of Police with the Department of Health. Mr. Pyles’ dedication to his community is evident in his service as a member of the Allegany College Board of Trustees, Past Commissioner of the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission, and through his hundreds so speeches he has given statewide on Maryland’s opioid crisis.

“For the last thirty years I have had the distinct privilege of being a public servant to the citizens of this great State,” stated Pyles. “There is not a County or a community I have not been in. For many, many years I have said, one life, one day we will change Maryland. Today, one life, one day we will change Allegany County. I have stood on the front line for the last thirty years, and will continue to stand on that front line with our heroes providing emergency services in Allegany County”

Mr. Pyles has been a resident of Allegany County for thirty years and lives in LaVale with his wife. He holds a Master of Science Degree in Management with Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Fairmont State University.

Read the full press release for more information.