(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.