Gov.-Elect Tom Wolf Thursday announced he has selected Colonel Marcus L. Brown, currently the superintendent of the Maryland State Police, to be the commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police.
Wolf also announced that he has chosen Richard Flinn, who now serves as the deputy director of operations at the Federal Emergency Management Agency and is the former deputy director for operations for the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, to lead the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, as well as former Sen. Timothy Solobay (D-Wshington) to be the commissioner of the Pennsylvania Office of Fire.
Wolf has also chosen Major General James R. Joseph, who is now serving as the special assistant to the combatant commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command for National Guard Matters, to be the Adjutant General at the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
"The individuals I announced today are highly-capable and well-respected officials with years of law enforcement, emergency management, and military service experience," said Gov.-Elect Tom Wolf.
"Colonel Marcus Brown has been in law enforcement for 25 years and has improved each law agency he has led. As the head of the Maryland State Police, he led a commitment to a diverse workforce by recruiting in areas with high minority populations and historically black colleges. As a result of his leadership, the Maryland State Police is one of the most diverse agencies in the region. Col. Brown has also improved collaboration between state and local law enforcement agencies, which has resulted in reduced statewide crime rates and a decrease in traffic fatalities. The Pennsylvania State Police are the commonwealth's top law enforcement agency, and Col. Brown has the experience and vision necessary to serve in the role of commissioner."
"Richard Flinn has decades of experience at the state and federal levels in emergency management, which is why I have chosen him to lead the agency tasked with saving lives, reducing suffering, and protecting property and the environment. Flinn has the skill set and experience to provide the proper management of this essential agency in the unfortunate event of a natural disaster or weather emergency."
"With more than 38 years of fire service, Tim Solobay is a great fit for the Office of Fire. Tim is currently the assistant fire chief at the Canonsburg Volunteer Fire Company and he is a former president of the Washington County Fireman's Association. Over his more than three decades of fire service, Tim has received multiple awards and recognitions and has dedicated himself to improving the atmosphere for fire service. His experience is the reason I chose him to lead this important office."
"If Pennsylvania is going to be a safe and prosperous state, we must work to support the members of the Pennsylvania National Guard, as well as provide greater opportunity for Pennsylvania’s veterans. General Joseph shares this vision, and as the Adjutant General, he will ensure the PNG is prepared to serve our commonwealth and civilian community in times of peace and emergency," Wolf concluded.
Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Pennsylvania State Police
As superintendent of the Maryland State Police, Col. Brown led the agency's effort to renew its commitment to a diverse workforce by adopting a “targeted event” recruiting strategy in areas with high minority populations and historically black colleges.
As a result, the Maryland State Police is one of the most diverse agencies in the region. Colonel Brown has also overseen the creation of the Special Operations Bureau and the reorganization of the Criminal Investigation Bureau.
These changes allowed the Maryland State Police to focus on inter-jurisdictional statewide crime and improved their ability to work with local law enforcement agencies. These changes resulted in historic reductions in statewide crime and traffic fatalities.
Under Colonel Brown’s leadership, the Maryland State Police became nationally accredited for the first time in 2014. The department is the first state police agency in the country to receive the CALEA Tri-Arc Award for accreditation in law enforcement, communications, and training.
Richard Flinn, PA Emergency Management Agency
While at FEMA, Flinn has overseen the development and implementation of standard operating procedures, policies, and doctrine that has institutionalized watch procedures including trigger points for notifications and checklists for actions that watch officers take, when an incident occurs and who and when senior leaders are notified.
While previously at the commonwealth, Flinn supervised the acquisition and development of Pennsylvania's crisis management system and he led the development of a $250 million federal grant.
Timothy Solobay, Office of Fire
Timothy Solobay has over 38 years in fire service and is currently the assistant fire chief at the Canonsburg Volunteer Fire Company. Tim has served in fire service for more than three decades and he has received multiple awards and recognitions, and has dedicated himself to improving the atmosphere for fire service.
Tim also spent his time in the General Assembly fighting for legislation to improve fire services and deliver more resources to fire and emergency service companies. Solobay was instrumental in providing millions annually for fire and emergency service across the Commonwealth.
Major General James R. Joseph, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
Major General James R. Joseph started his military service in 1971, and shortly after completed a tour of duty in Vietnam. General Joseph joined the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in 1974. He also served as Assistant Division Commander, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania Army National Guard. Previously, General Joseph served as Assistant Adjutant General - Army, Pennsylvania National Guard.
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