Meet Our Staff
Michael Vest - Director
Michael Vest is the Director of the Department of Public Safety. He came to the Department after a 20-year military career in the United States Army in the fields of intelligence and aviation. He served in various roles as interpreter, strategic debriefer, liaison officer, flight operations officer, battle captain, and instructor pilot. Among serving in various locations worldwide, he served two combat tours of duty in Iraq. He is bilingual in Korean and holds a Master’s in Emergency Services Management and a Bachelor’s in Aviation’s Studies with a focus in the Korean Language.
Michael.Vest@montgomerycountypa.gov
(610) 631-6506
Administration and Public Affairs
Michelle Jackson - Deputy Director of Public Safety - Administration
As Deputy Director of Public Safety, Michelle Jackson is responsible for the control and monitoring of the Department’s budgets. In addition, she is responsible for maintaining standard controls for tracking both the expenditures and the receipts of revenue while ensuring that the Department is in compliance with the law as well as County policies. Michelle started her career at Public Safety in Emergency Management where she was a Municipal Planner and Deputy Director responsible for LGS planning and EOP updates. Michelle holds an Associate of Arts in Communications, a Bachelor of Science in Disaster and Emergency Management, and a Master of Public Administration.
Michelle.R.Jackson@montgomerycountypa.gov
(610) 631-6500
Todd Stieritz - Public Affairs Coordinator
As Public Affairs Coordinator, Todd Stieritz is the Department of Public Safety’s Public Information Officer (PIO) and oversees all external communications. He is responsible for managing the department website and social media accounts, producing Public Safety News and the Annual Report, responding to inquiries from the media and the general public, and promoting the public image of the department at community events. Todd also serves as a Technician on the Montgomery County Hazardous Materials Response Team. Prior to his appointment as Public Affairs Coordinator, Todd served as the Municipal Planning Specialist within the Division of Emergency Management from June 2014 until October 2018. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Law from Lafayette College and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Graduate Certificate in City Management from Villanova University.
Todd.Stieritz@montgomerycountypa.gov
(610) 631-6544
Emergency Communications
Jennifer Cass - Deputy Director
Jen Cass oversees the Emergency Communications Division as a Department of Public Safety Deputy Director and serves as the Montgomery County 9-1-1 Coordinator to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency in all activities related to 9-1-1. Jen has been an employee of the Communications Division since 1996. She is an ENP and sits on several state and local committees.
Jennifer.Cass@montgomerycountypa.gov
(610) 631-6529
Operations
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Emergency Management
Jason Wilson - Deputy Director for Emergency Management
As Deputy Director for Emergency Management, Jason Wilson is responsible for managing the day-to-day duties of Division of Emergency Management staff and is responsible for maintaining the readiness the Montgomery County Emergency Operations Plan and Emergency Operations Center. Prior to his appointment as Deputy Director for Emergency Management, Jason served as a Municipal Planning Specialist and Radiological Specialist within the Division of Emergency Management. Jason holds an Associates of Arts in Fire Science from the Montgomery County Community College and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Safety Administration from Holy Family University.
Jason.Wilson@montgomerycountypa.gov
(610) 631-6519
Joe Anna Haelig - Community Resilience Coordinator
As Community Resilience Coordinator, Joe Anna Haelig is responsible for access and functional needs, facilities, mass care, mitigation, and recovery planning. She also serves as coordinator for damage assessment and as primary support for ReadyMontco and MontcoSAFER, the Department of Public Safety's external and internal mass notification systems. Prior to working for Montgomery County, Joe Anna served as a Disaster Case Manager for the SEPA Chapter of the American Red Cross. Joe Anna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Rutgers University.
JoeAnna.Haelig@montgomerycountypa.gov
(610) 631-6528
Amanda Brady - Training and Preparedness Coordinator
In her role as Training and Preparedness Coordinator, Amanda Brady is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing a variety of training and exercise programs to test the capabilities of emergency responders in Montgomery County. This also includes working closely with the response community to schedule and implement the training required for all levels of emergency management certification. Amanda has been with the Department of Public Safety since 2010, most recently serving as a 9-1-1 Senior Telecommunicator in the Emergency Communications Division. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Arcadia University, and is currently studying for her Master’s Degree in Emergency Services Management from Columbia Southern University. Amanda also serves as the Administrator of the Montgomery County Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team.
Amanda.Brady@montgomerycountypa.gov
(610) 631-6517
Andrew Urban - Emergency Preparedness Specialist (Municipal Planning)
Andrew Urban is the Department of Public Safety’s Emergency Preparedness Specialist – Municipal Planning. Andrew has been a volunteer firefighter since 2006 with the Wissahickon Fire Company and has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Scranton. After college, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and was stationed in San Diego, Virginia Beach, and Barnegat Light (NJ). During his service, he conducted multiple search & rescue and law enforcement missions. Once he completed his enlistment, Andrew served as a Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputy, as well as a police officer for Villanova University and Upper Dublin Township.
Andrew.Urban@montgomerycountypa.gov
(610) 631-6505
Jessica Glickman - Emergency Preparedness Specialist (Community Resilience)
Jessica Glickman is the Department of Public Safety’s Emergency Preparedness Specialist for Community Resilience. Prior to this role, she was the Program Coordinator and Emergency Management Specialist at Beth Am Israel on the Main Line. While there, Jessica focused on program logistics, community outreach, and volunteer management, growing relationships with faith-based partners throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. In 2018, she became the Chair of the Security Committee, responsible for policies and training. Jessica received her master’s degree in Emergency Management from the University of New Haven in 2018 and has a bachelor’s in Comparative Religion from East Carolina University.
Jessica.Glickman@montgomerycountypa.gov
(610) 631-6510
Operations
Jake Frye - Emergency Preparedness Specialist (Technological Hazards)
As Emergency Preparedness Specialist for Technological Hazards, Jake Frye is responsible for planning and preparing for incidents involving Limerick Generating Station and high hazard dam planning. Prior to his appointment as Emergency Preparedness Specialist, Jake served as the Radiological Planner from September 2019 to May 2020. Jake holds an Associate of Arts in Fire Science from the Montgomery County Community College and a Bachelor of Arts in Fire Science and Public Safety Administration from Holy Family University.
Jake.Frye@montgomerycountypa.gov
(610) 631-3020
Brandon Pursell - Hazardous Materials Program Coordinator
As the Hazardous Materials Program Coordinator, Brandon Pursell is responsible for the design, development, preparedness, and operational response of the state-certified Montgomery County Hazardous Materials Response Team, where he serves as a Battalion Chief. Prior to his appointment to this position, Brandon served as the SARA Title II Reporting Specialist from September 2016 to January 2020 and as the Radiological Planning Specialist from January 2015 to September 2016. Brandon holds an Associate of the Sciences in Emergency Management and Planning from Montgomery County Community College.
Brandon.Pursell@montgomerycountypa.gov
(610) 631-6521
Beverlee Stemple - SARA Title III Planning Specialist
As the SARA Title III Planning Specialist, Beverlee Stemple is responsible for ensuring the compliance of approximately 280 sites in Montgomery County to the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) of 1986 and Pennsylvania Act 165 of 1990 (Hazardous Material Emergency Planning and Response Act). Bev has been with the Department of Public Safety since 1999, serving as Registrar at the Public Safety Training Campus before taking over her current role in the Division of Emergency Management in 2006. She has prior experience in fire investigation, serving as Deputy Fire Marshal for Conshohocken Borough, and multidisciplinary public safety training and education. Bev also has a background in the private sector, where she gained her degree in Business Administration and previously owned and operated three retail businesses.
Beverlee.Stemple@montgomerycountypa.gov
(610) 631-3072
Emergency Medical Services
David Brown - Deputy Director
David Brown is the Deputy Director for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and manages the EMS Division including the EMS Training Institute located at the Public Safety Training Campus. He also lends his support to emergency management projects as well as projects involving traffic incident management and public health medical countermeasures. David began his career with Montgomery County in 1991 and has extensive emergency services experience as an EMT, paramedic, engine company officer, heavy rescue technician (including agricultural rescue), SCUBA diver, emergency dispatcher, and educator. He holds a Bachelor's of Science in Biology Research from the University of Scranton, is a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), and has earned the PEMA Professional Certification.
David.Brown@montgomerycountypa.gov
(610) 631-6518
Tim Dunigan - Pre-Hospital Systems Coordinator
As Pre-Hospital Systems Coordinator, Tim Dunigan is responsible for coordinating BEMS/DOH Ambulance Licensure (ALS/BLS/QRS) and the Voluntary Rescue Service Recognition (VRSR) Program. Tim also assists with the EMSOF request and recommendations, PCR collection, and statistical data. Prior to his appointment as Pre-Hospital Systems Coordinator, Tim served as the EMS Field Specialist within the Division of Emergency Medical Services from February 2006 until June 2010. Tim holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/Marketing from Kutztown University (1986).
Tim.Dunigan@montgomerycountypa.gov
(610) 278-5233
Ed Martin - EMS Field Specialist
As EMS Field Specialist, Ed Martin is responsible for coordinating the Quality Assurance program for the Department of Public Safety - EMS Division, facilitating complaint investigations, maintaining data for regional projects such as Ketamine for Sedation Assisted Intubation, and organizing Medical Advisory Committee Meetings. Ed serves as a liaison to the Department of Public Safety’s Emergency Management and Emergency Communications Divisions, assisting the former with disaster response and the latter with Emergency Medical Dispatch training for new telecommunicators and advising on issues related to EMS response. He also assists the Montgomery County Health Department in preplanning for a major health outbreak. Prior to his appointment as EMS Field Specialist, Ed served as Executive Director/Chief of Lafayette Ambulance and Rescue Squad. Ed was previously employed by the Department of Public Safety as EMS Field Specialist. Ed has an Associate’s Degree in Business Management and is currently enrolled in Business Administration-Project Management Program through Columbia Southern University.
Ed.Martin@montgomerycountypa.gov
(610) 631-6508
Office of the Medical Director
Dr. Alvin Wang - Regional EMS Medical Director/Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Alvin Wang is the Montgomery County Regional EMS Medical Director. Dr. Wang is double-board certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine in Emergency Medicine and Emergency Medical Services. He has been conferred Fellow status by the National Association of EMS Physicians and the American Academy of Emergency Medicine. Dr. Wang is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Emergency Medicine at the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Jefferson University and is the EMS director for Jefferson Health System Northeast in Philadelphia. Alvin has been continuously active in EMS since he started volunteering as an EMT in Northern NJ at the age of 16. After graduating with a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Pennsylvania State University and completing his paramedic training at the Center for Emergency Medicine of Western PA, he attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Alvin has worked in rural, urban, and suburban settings as an EMT, Nationally Registered Paramedic, and a critical care flight paramedic. In addition, he serves as a medical director for Narberth Ambulance, Bensalem Rescue Squad, and as a federal medical officer for the PA-4 Disaster Management Assistance Team. As a graduate of the NTOA Basic SWAT school and the CONTOMS course, Alvin also serves as the embedded medical director and SWAT medic for the Bucks County South SWAT team and Haverford Township Special Response Team. Prior appointment as the Regional EMS Medical Director, Dr. Wang served in the role of Deputy Regional Medical Director from January 2014 to July 2018.
Alvin.Wang@montgomerycountypa.gov
(610) 631-3098
Joe Sciandra - Intelligence Project Manager
Joe Sciandra is a Project Manager on the Department of Public Safety’s Office of the Medical Director team focusing on the Emergency Medical Overdose Surveillance System (EMODSS). Joe’s background includes project management, deployment, development, and training for situational awareness tools for emergency management agencies. Joe is an adjunct instructor for FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute for the Integrated Emergency Management Courses (IEMC) and Preparedness Branch Courses including the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. Joe is also the local Emergency Management Coordinator for Valley Township in Chester County. He has a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from West Chester University and an Advanced Certificate in Emergency Management from Delaware County Community College.
Joseph.Sciandra@montgomerycountypa.gov
(610) 631-3095
Fire Programs
Rob Carovillano - Rescue Program Coordinator
Rob Carovillano is responsible for administration and curriculum development for the Fire Academy’s rescue training programs. These programs enhance the abilities of Montgomery County's first responders in numerous disciplines of technical rescue including vehicle, confined space, structural collapse, rope/high angle, and water rescue. Rob is also a member of the Montgomery County Urban Search and Rescue team. Prior to coming to the County in 2016, Rob spent 13 years as an academic administrator and adjunct faculty member at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. Rob has an MS in Public Safety Management and an MBA from Saint Joseph’s University.
Robert.Carovillano@montgomerycountypa.gov
(610) 278-3500 ext. 6610
John Corcoran - Emergency Services Outreach Coordinator
John Corcoran is the Emergency Services Outreach Coordinator at the Montgomery County Fire Academy. He is responsible for the coordination and delivery of services related to the Montgomery County Fire Safety program for external and internal stakeholders. Prior to his current position, John served as the Director of Communications for Montgomery County and as Deputy Director, External Affairs at the Montgomery County Department of Public Safety. Before working for Montgomery County, John was the senior Montgomery County reporter for The Intelligencer with responsibility of covering countywide politics and government, criminal and civil courts, and all homicides.
John.Corcoran@montgomerycountypa.gov
(610) 278-3500 ext. 6633
Darryl Harris - Fire Training Coordinator
Darryl Harris is the Fire Academy's Fire Training Coordinator. He oversees all firefighting training programs.
Darryl.Harris@montgomerycountypa.gov
(610) 278-3500 ext. 6609
Martin Joyce - HazMat Program Coordinator
Marty Joyce is the Fire Academy's HazMat Program Coordinator. He oversees all hazardous materials training programs.
Martin.Joyce@montgomerycountypa.gov
(610) 278-3500
Cindy Myers - Registrar
Cindy Myers is the Registrar for the Montgomery County Fire Academy. She oversees registration for all of the Academy's training and certification programs.
Cynthia.Myers@montgomerycountypa.gov
(610) 278-3500
Ed O'Hanlon, Jr. - Professional Standards Coordinator
As Professional Standards Coordinator, Ed O’Hanlon, Jr. is responsible for providing access to professional certification by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (ProBoard) and International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) at various levels of competency for firefighters, fire officers, hazardous materials responders, and industry professionals. Ed also serves as the Test Site Coordinator for the Delegation of Authority testing site at the Montgomery County Fire Academy under the Voluntary Certification Program, Office of the State Fire Commissioner in accordance with Act 61 of 1995, the State Fire Commissioner Act. Prior to his current position, Ed served as the Fire Training Coordinator for the Montgomery County Fire Academy. He has a bachelor’s degree from La Salle University.
Edward.OHanlon@montgomerycountypa.gov
(610) 278-3500 ext. 6608
Law Enforcement
Janine Paul - Law Enforcement Training Coordinator
As the Law Enforcement Training Coordinator, Janine Paul is responsible for scheduling and overseeing the courses being offered at the Montgomery County Training Academy. Janine assists in instructing courses and updating lesson plans. Mrs. Paul started her professional career as an officer with the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division in Washington, D.C. During her tenure with the Secret Service, she served on numerous details for the President and Vice President, as well as other foreign dignitaries. She served as Missions Liaison Officer, part of the Deputy Chief’s staff, to handle all security issues, including conflict resolution to approximately 500 foreign embassies. She also was part of the Trek Patrol Team and was hand-picked to be one of the officers on the distinguished U.S. Secret Service Honor Guard. Her last few years with the Uniformed Division were spent at the James J. Rowley Training Center as Officer/Technician training all recruits and active personnel in protective driving. Janine is a security, protective, and evasive driving certified instructor with a vast experience developing and delivering advanced training to Local, State, and Federal Law Enforcement as well as Executive Protection Specialists, Corporate Security teams, and various branches of the U.S. Military.
Janine.Paul@montgomerycountypa.gov
(610) 278-3500 ext. 6603
Matthew Roberto - School Safety Coordinator
Matthew Roberto previously served as an FBI Agent, most recently in the Newark Division, for 31 years. As the School Safety Coordinator, Matt is responsible for the coordination of training and resources for County students and school entity staff in matters relating to school security and preparedness.
Matthew.Roberto@montgomerycountypa.gov
(610) 278-3500 ext. 6629
Technology
Brian McKown - Deputy Director for Technology
As Deputy Director for Public Safety Technology, Brian McKown is responsible for overseeing the Department of Public Safety’s Technology Division and for facilitating the Department-wide coordination of technology-based initiatives. Brian served in the United States Navy for six years prior to beginning his career in Montgomery County in 2010 as a 9-1-1 telecommunicator. In 2014, he joined the QA/QI team as a Quality Analyst, before becoming the Emergency Communication Division’s Assistant Director for Professional Standards in 2016. Brian was promoted to his current Deputy Director position in 2019 and was tasked in overseeing the Department’s newly formed Technology Division. Brian holds a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology from Thomas Edison State University and a Master of Science in Emergency Services Management from Columbia Southern University.
Brian.McKown@montgomerycountypa.gov
(610) 631-6524
Amy Hrvatin - Public Safety GIS Coordinator
As Public Safety GIS Coordinator, it is Amy Hrvatin’s role to provide GIS resources to support and assist all divisions within the Department of Public Safety. It is Amy’s responsibility to design, maintain and produce geospatial data, perform spatial analysis and produce maps/web applications. Prior to employment with Montgomery County, Amy worked at Columbia County as a GIS Technician for three years. Here she supported all of the county’s and municipals’ needs for GIS, which included public safety. Amy holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Sciences and Environmental Studies from Stony Brook University (2014) and a Master’s degree from the University of Albany in Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis (2015).
Amy.Hrvatin@montgomerycountypa.gov
(610) 631-6534