Harford County Dept. of Emergency Services Intern Conducts Research to Support Preparedness

From the Harford County Department of Emergency Services:

(Forest Hill, MD) – – The Harford County Department of Emergency Services (DES) is one of several departments or units of county government which have benefited from the efforts of college interns. During the past year, one such intern, John A. Richter from Washington College in Chestertown, worked with DES conducting research on a number issues.

Richter, who recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Political Science, was assigned as an intern with the Emergency Management branch of DES for one year. During the period of his internship, Richter participated in several Emergency Operation Center activations as well as conducted research for Director Russell J. Strickland.

Among the research projects Richter coordinated included an analysis of fire commissions in other counties in Maryland and to “benchmark” Harford County’s Public Safety Commission against other counties best practices.

Another significant research project involved the study of other counties and jurisdictions in an effort to identify potential funding sources to help support the county’s volunteer fire and EMS system. The results were summarized and documented on a county-by-county basis and submitted to Director Strickland for review and future consideration.

Reflecting upon his internship with the Department of Emergency Services, Richter said, “The experience I’ve gained during my internship has been valuable to me in helping form my career objectives. I’ve gained insights into numerous functions of emergency services”.

This summer the Harford County Department of Emergency Services has two interns, Stephanie Carol D’Anna a senior at Salisbury University and Walter B. Huffman, III, a senior at Frostburg State University, working on various projects associated with the Emergency Management branch of the department.

Commenting on the use of interns to assist DES with various research projects, Director Strickland said, “The internships we have offered have been mutually beneficial to the students and to Harford County Government. Students have an opportunity to conduct research on issues of importance to our department, the fire and EMS service and the citizens we serve. I am pleased with the efforts of all our interns and I am confident they have gained immeasurable experience from their service with the Department of Emergency Services,” Strickland added.