John Chuck Ternent

Chuck Ternent is a seasoned public-safety professional with more than three decades of service in law enforcement, fire service, and emergency medical operations. A lifelong Western Marylander, he advanced through every rank of the Cumberland Police Department to become Chief of Police, having previously served as investigator, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and administrator. His leadership combined operational discipline with community engagement, maintaining strong partnerships among municipal officials, state agencies, and area public-safety leaders.

As Chief of Police, Ternent managed all departmental functions, fiscal operations, and accreditation programs. He emphasized transparency, training, and the adoption of CALEA-based standards that improved efficiency and reduced liability for the city. Earlier in his career, he directed major-case investigations and developed grant and technology initiatives that secured vital funding and modernized local policing.

Today, Ternent continues to serve Western Maryland communities through disaster-recovery coordination, applying the same integrity and accountability that defined his law-enforcement career.