Charles County has filled its top emergency services post, naming Lester Flint as the new Director of the Department of Emergency Services, effective Sept. 8, Acting County Administrator Deborah E. Hall announced.
Flint brings more than 34 years of experience in fire and rescue operations, emergency medical services, emergency management, disaster preparedness, training and public safety administration. He most recently served as Battalion Fire Chief and Acting Deputy Fire Chief with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, where he directed emergency operations across five fire and rescue stations, commanded complex all-hazards incidents, and led staffing, preparedness, training and operational readiness efforts.
Flint is also a familiar name in Charles County’s public safety community. He has served with the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department since 1991 and currently serves as a County Battalion Chief, providing operational leadership and countywide command support within the volunteer emergency services system. His family has deep roots in the county’s volunteer fire service across multiple generations.
The position had been open for several months before Flint’s hiring; a county job posting listed a best-consideration date of May 13 and a salary range of $127,470 to $206,501 annually.
“Lester Flint is an accomplished public safety leader whose experience, collaborative approach, and commitment to service make him exceptionally well-suited to lead our Department of Emergency Services,” Hall said. “As Charles County continues to grow, we need leaders who can bring fresh perspectives while building on our strong foundation of career and volunteer partnerships.”
As director, Flint will oversee emergency management, emergency medical services, public safety communications, preparedness initiatives, animal care and control, and coordination between the county’s career and volunteer public safety partners. The county said the appointment comes as Charles County continues to grow and expand its emergency response capabilities.
“I am committed to leading with integrity, building strong teams, and drawing on my experience to strengthen the organization and serve our community,” Flint said. “This community helped shape who I am, both personally and professionally, and I see this opportunity as a way to give back through meaningful service, collaboration, and a commitment to making a positive and lasting difference.”
Flint holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration, earned with honors, from Columbia Southern University, along with an Associate of Science in Fire Science and the Chief Fire Officer designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence. He also holds numerous certifications in incident command, emergency management, hazardous materials response, instruction and emergency medical services.
