OFFICERS
Chair
Taylor Griffiths
Taylor is a community-focused and public servant leader. Graduate from Shippensburg University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and a Minor in Public Administration. Master’s Degree in Emergency Management and Disaster Preparedness from Millersville University.
Taylor holds numerous professional certifications with the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications. Taylor is also nationally certified Hazardous Materials and WMD Technician He has been an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) since 1999. He has also completed his PEMA Basic Local Level Emergency Management requirements and the FEMA Professional Development series.
Taylor has served as the Vice-Chairman of our LEPC for the past four years He has been an active appointed member of the committee since 2015. Taylor has served as Vice Chair for several years and was elected Chair in January 2026,
Vice-Chair
Connie Heckard
Connie started her career at Public Safety in 2000 after her previous employer relocated out of the area, She became interested in computers while at that job and wanted to further her knowledge so she attended computer school. There she earned CompTia A+ Technician Certification along with certificates in many Microsoft and other software programs. Putting those skills to use at Public Safety she was able to automate many processes that had previously been done manually. She designed and administered numerous databases and forms to make things more efficient, She earned PEMA's Basic, Advanced and Professional Certifications along with many other trainings she participated in throughout the years.
Before her retirement in 2021 her main focus was the SARA Title III Compliance Program.
Connie has been involved with the LEPC since 2000 shortly after the start of her employment in Public Safety She started out in a support role as secretary and assisted the LEPC liaison with many tasks throughout the years such as designing brochures, exercise design and research as needed. In 2014, upon the retirement of the former liaison she assumed that role, When she retired from Public Safety she immediately requested membership on the LEPC and continues to support the committee needs as they arise. She also serves on several sub-committees within the LEPC.
Connie was the driving force behind the annual LEPC Summit and continues her involvement as a member of the Summit planning team.
With permission from Westmoreland County, she modified their Site of Distinction program to adapt it for Cumberland County facilities. Each year qualifying facilities are presented with an award at the annual LEPC Summit.
Secretary James Brandt, EOC
James developed an interest in public safety early on when his grandfather took him to Citizens Fire Co. in Mt. Holly Springs. With support from his mother and grandparents, he joined the department as a junior firefighter at age 12.
However, after a few years, he left PA to pursue other experiences.
James relocated back to the area and his passion for public safety re-emerged. He joined Union Fire Co. in Carlisle serving actively as FF/Lieutenant/Captain for many years. He accepted a 911 Dispatcher position with Cumberland County DPS in 2002. In 2013, he was awarded the 911 star of life, and was featured in an article in the Journal Dispatch Magazine for providing successful CPR instructions for a teenager in sudden cardiac arrest. Jim briefly became the Public Safety Administrative Assistant, and now currently holds the Emergency Management Admin. Coordinator position which encompasses the LEPC Secretary/ Support responsibilities.
Jim’s qualifications include numerous 911 and first responder certifications, successful completion of PEMA’s Local Emergency Management Program (basic, advanced, professional), Computer Aided Management of Emergency Operations( CAMEO), and FEMA’s professional development series.
He is embracing his new position by placing emphasis on SARA Title III ( EPCRA) Compliance to secure funding for the Hazmat Program, ensuring accurate data entry of chemicals, site maps, emergency contacts for facilities, and supporting the overall LEPC Mission.
Web Administrator - Daniel Berndt