CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — Eric Shands has been appointed director of the Franklin County Department of Emergency Services, overseeing the county’s 911 communications center, emergency management operations and hazardous materials program.
County Commissioners announced the appointment Monday, Oct. 19. Shands succeeds Mary K. Seville, who stepped down earlier this year.
Shands joined the department in February 2025 as operations and training officer. His work has included training for 911 personnel and the county’s Public Safety Training Center.
“We are pleased to name Eric Shands as our new DES Director and we’re excited to see what he will do at the helm of the department,” said Commission Chairman Dean Horst.
Before joining the county, Shands owned and operated Warmsprings Salon & Spa from 2003 to 2023, managing two locations and more than 50 employees. He also has experience as a firefighter and emergency medical technician and studied safety technology, business administration and fire science.
In April, the department recognized Shands for his work supporting employee training, scheduling and daily operations.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity and the confidence placed in me to lead this department,” Shands said. “My priority is to support those people, strengthen our teamwork and build an organization where everyone understands their role and takes pride in what we accomplish together.”
The Department of Emergency Services coordinates emergency preparedness and disaster response across Franklin County’s 22 municipalities. It also handles 911 calls and dispatching for fire, emergency medical and law enforcement agencies, except the Pennsylvania State Police Chambersburg Barracks.
