Thomas Ward
Emmitsburg,MD
Summary
High-performing 9-1-1 Professional with solid experience in networking, community engagement, technology management, and crisis management. Adept in creating and implementing effective teams. Collaborative and committed to nurturing relationships with stakeholders, media, industry partners, and customers.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Emergency Communications Manager
Frederick County Government
03.2016 - Current
- Receive and process emergency and non-emergency calls for service
- Dispatch Police and Fire/Rescue Resources in accordance to Operating Guidelines
- Assist in training and developing new call takers and radio operators
- Serve on Social Media Committee
- Oversee employees in functions of call-taking and radio operations, enforce agency policies and procedures
- Conduct employee evaluations
- Respond to citizen and responder reports of service negligence
Security Administration Supervisor
Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Co.
02.2011 - 03.2016
- Serve as HR Coordinator for Department of 800 employees. Responsible for the Recruitment, Hiring, Training, Payroll and Retention efforts of all employees. Support the labor budgeting process for the department
- Served as Manager on Duty for the department and as representative for the General Manager of the Entertainment Complex.
- Prepare incident reports, Employee Evaluations, Guest Interaction Responses, Employee Recognition Coordinator
Education
BA - Criminal Justice Administration
Mount St. Mary's University
Emmitsburg, MD12.2010
Skills
- Tech Savvy
- Employee Counseling, Development & Training
- Emergency Dispatch & Call Taking
- Social Media & Website Management
- Relationship Building
- Executive Level Leadership & Decision Making
- Crisis Management & Communications
- Budgeting
- Event Planning
Accomplishments
Served as co-chair of the APCO International 2025 National Conference
Elected Vice President | Mid-Eastern APCO Chapter
Supported new CAD software RFP, provisioning, and staff training
Successful management of multiple high-profile public safety incidents
Lead a successful non-profit capital campaign yielding over $2M in two years
Affiliations
- Vigilant Hose Company, Emmitsburg, MD
- Elected President: January 2020 – December 2023, April 2025 - Present
- Elected Secretary: 1/2019 – 12/2019
- Elected Assistant Secretary: 1/2018 – 12/2018
- National Emergency Numbers Association (NENA) – Member
- Member Professional Education Working Group
- APCO International
- 1st VP – Mid-Eastern Chapter
- Representing MD, DE and DC 9-1-1 Professionals
- Co-Chair Annual Conference Committee 2024-2025
- Core Competencies and Training Standards for ECC Supervisors, Group Member
Certification
Center Manager Certification Program - NENA
Emergency Medical Dispatcher - State of Maryland & IAED
Emergency Police Dispatcher - IAED
Emergency Fire Dispatcher - IAED
CPR
Communications Training Officer
Timeline
Emergency Communications Manager
Frederick County Government
03.2016 - Current
Security Administration Supervisor
Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Co.
02.2011 - 03.2016
BA - Criminal Justice Administration
Mount St. Mary's University