Caroline County Department of Emergency Services

11/10/2026

Thank You, Caroline Foundation!

Caroline County Department of Emergency Services would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Caroline Foundation for their generous grant funding in support of our EMS services!

This funding will be used to purchase Hero-Vents for each of our ambulances, expanding our ability to provide advanced respiratory care to patients experiencing severe respiratory distress. These ventilators will allow our EMS clinicians to utilize BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) in the prehospital setting, helping patients breathe more effectively and supporting them during critical respiratory emergencies.

This investment is about more than new equipment — it is about bringing another advanced lifesaving capability directly to the people who need it, when they need it most.

We are grateful to the Caroline Foundation for recognizing the importance of investing in local emergency medical services and helping us continue to provide the highest level of care to our community.

Thank you for helping us make a difference, one patient at a time!

DENTON – “This is one of my favorite days every year,” said the Caroline Foundation’s President, Terry Mead, on the morning of November 4. This day marks the eleventh year since the Caroline …

11/06/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Caroline County Department of Emergency Services Announces Promotion of Kayla Baker to Communications Lieutenant

Denton, MD – The Caroline County Department of Emergency Services is pleased to announce the promotion of Kayla Baker to the rank of Communications Lieutenant within the 911 Communications Division.

Lieutenant Baker earned this promotion following a comprehensive promotional assessment process, recognizing her experience, dedication, and commitment to the Department and the citizens of Caroline County.

Lieutenant Baker brings 10 years of service as a 911 Specialist with the Caroline County Department of Emergency Services. Throughout her tenure, she has been assigned to B Shift as a Communications Specialist III, where she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to the division and its personnel. In addition to her regular operational responsibilities, Baker has served in the critical role of Division Quality Assurance (QA) and as a Communications Training Officer (CTO). In these capacities, she has helped maintain operational standards, support quality assurance initiatives, and develop and mentor new communications personnel.

In her new leadership role, Lieutenant Baker will be assigned to A Shift, where she will provide operational leadership and oversight, support communications personnel, and assist in maintaining the Department's standards for professionalism, accountability, and quality assurance. Her experience and familiarity with the daily operations of the Communications Division will be valuable assets as she transitions into this supervisory position.

The Caroline County Department of Emergency Services congratulates Lieutenant Baker on this well-deserved promotion and looks forward to her continued contributions and leadership within the 911 Communications Division.

Please join us in congratulating Communications Lieutenant Kayla Baker!

10/22/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Caroline County Department of Emergency Services Announces Promotion of Shawne Hughes to Mobile Integrated Healthcare Paramedic Program Manager

The Caroline County Department of Emergency Services (DES) is pleased to announce the promotion of Shawne Hughes to Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) Paramedic Program Manager, recognizing his 25 years of dedicated service to Caroline County and his continued commitment to providing quality emergency medical services to the community.

Prior to his promotion, Hughes was assigned to B Shift, where he served as a paramedic and Field Training Officer (FTO). Throughout his career, he has contributed to the delivery of emergency medical services and supported the training, mentorship, and professional development of EMS personnel.

In his new role, Hughes will help lead the implementation and ongoing development of the Mobile Integrated Healthcare Program, a collaborative initiative between the Caroline County Department of Emergency Services EMS Division and the Caroline County Health Department. The program is designed to improve access to healthcare, enhance patient outcomes, and provide additional support to residents whose needs may be better addressed through coordinated, community-based care.

The concept for the MIH program was first introduced nearly three years ago through collaborative discussions between the two agencies. Since that time, the initiative has advanced through a comprehensive community needs assessment, the development of program policies and procedures, and the securing of necessary funding. Dedicated staff have also been hired through the Caroline County Health Department to support the administration and delivery of program services.

The program will operate through a coordinated team consisting of a registered nurse and a paramedic who will conduct in-home visits for residents who may benefit from additional healthcare support. Through proactive engagement, care coordination, and connections to appropriate healthcare resources, the program aims to improve health outcomes, reduce unnecessary 911 utilization, and help prevent avoidable emergency department visits.

As EMS call volumes and demands on emergency response resources continue to increase, the MIH program represents an important step toward expanding the delivery of community-based healthcare. By working together, Caroline County DES and the Caroline County Health Department aim to provide a more proactive approach to patient care while ensuring emergency resources remain available for urgent and life-threatening situations.

Hughes's 25 years of experience with Caroline County DES, including his work as a paramedic and Field Training Officer, will be valuable as he assumes leadership of this initiative. His promotion also reflects the department's commitment to developing experienced personnel and strengthening partnerships that improve the health, safety, and well-being of Caroline County residents.

The Caroline County Department of Emergency Services congratulates Shawne Hughes on his promotion and thanks him for 25 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Caroline County.

10/19/2026

🍦 A SWEET THANK YOU! 🍦

A big thank you to Dairy Queen of Denton for providing sweet treat coupons for our 911 Specialists, EMS Clinicians, and Emergency Management staff! ❤️

We appreciate you thinking of our team and taking the time to recognize the dedicated individuals who work behind the scenes and on the front lines to keep our Caroline County communities safe.

It’s the little things that can make a big difference, and your kindness certainly made our day a little sweeter! Thank you for supporting Caroline County Department of Emergency Services! 💙🚑📞

10/19/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Caroline County Department of Emergency Services is pleased to announce the promotion of Cortland Dukes to EMS Sergeant!

Sergeant Dukes earned this promotion through a comprehensive and competitive assessment process that included a written examination, practical scenarios, and an oral interview panel. This rigorous process evaluates the leadership, clinical knowledge, decision-making, and operational skills necessary to serve in an EMS supervisory role.

Previously serving as a Paramedic Field Training Officer (FTO) on C Shift, Sergeant Dukes demonstrated his commitment to the EMS Division, the professional development of personnel, and the delivery of high-quality patient care.

In his new role, Sergeant Dukes will be assigned to B Shift, where he will assist Lieutenant Sean Brinkley with operational leadership and oversight, support field personnel, and help maintain the Division’s standards for quality assurance, professional development, and exceptional patient care.

Please join us in congratulating Sergeant Cortland Dukes on this well-deserved achievement! We look forward to his continued leadership and contributions to Caroline County EMS and the communities we proudly serve.

10/16/2026

Caroline County DES Weather Update
Friday, October 16, 2026

Caroline County could see strong to severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, with damaging winds possible between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Northwesterly winds will increase tonight and continue into Saturday, with gusts of 30 to 40 mph possible. Temperatures will also drop, bringing the potential for frost or freezing conditions Saturday night into Sunday morning.

Please take a few minutes to secure loose outdoor items and stay aware of changing conditions throughout the weekend.

This is also a great reminder to sign up for Caroline County Everbridge alerts. These alerts help keep you informed about severe weather and other emergencies affecting our community.

Sign up here: https://www.carolinemd.org/181/Emergency-Services

Stay safe, Caroline County!

10/02/2026

🚑 Another Step Forward in Community Preparedness! ❤️

Caroline County Department of Emergency Services (CCDES), with the BLS Enhancement Committee and Preston Volunteer Fire Company, is proud to partner with the Town of Preston to install a SaveStation AED cabinet at James T. Wright Memorial Park.

This partnership brings life-saving equipment closer to residents, visitors, and families enjoying the park. In a sudden cardiac arrest, every second matters—and having an AED readily accessible can make a critical difference while 911 and EMS are responding.

The SaveStation provides a secure, highly visible location for an AED and helps expand access to this important life-saving resource throughout our communities.

We are grateful to the Town of Preston for recognizing the importance of community preparedness and working with CCDES to make this project possible.

One Team. One Mission. One more step toward a safer Caroline County. ❤️🚑

10/02/2026

🚨 Everbridge in Action – Community Partnership Saves Time 🚨

This morning, Caroline County emergency responders responded to a rollover MVC where the involved subject could not be located at the scene.

Using our Everbridge mass notification system, an alert was sent to residents in the surrounding area asking for assistance in locating the individual.

Shortly after the message was sent, a citizen contacted emergency services after locating the subject in their front yard—approximately three miles from the crash scene.

EMS responded and evaluated the individual with his family present.

This is a great example of how technology and community partnership can make a real difference in emergency response. One message, one observant citizen, and a successful outcome.

Thank you to the citizen who took the time to respond and help our emergency responders locate the individual. When we work together, we make our community safer.

09/28/2026

Please see below for the funeral service information for Chief George Bacorn.

We will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.

Please keep Chief Bacorn’s family, loved ones, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May he rest in eternal peace.

Chief George Bacorn spent his life showing up for others. On Saturday, we will show up for him.

Please join Chief Bacorn’s family and the Denton Police Department as we honor his life and service to his beloved community. Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by the service at 12:00 p.m. Both will take place in the auditorium at North Caroline High School, 10990 River Road, Ridgely. All are welcome to attend.

Chief Bacorn was larger than life. As we gather with his family and fellow officers, we will honor the life he lived and the legacy he leaves with this community.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in the Chief’s memory be sent to either of the following:

SWAC for FOP Lodge 118 (Shop with a Cop)
100 N. Third Street
Denton, MD 21629

or

Caroline CARES, through For All Seasons
111 E. Dover Street
Easton, MD 21601
forallseasonsinc.org