When Fern hit Fort Detrick, DPW hit back harder

FORT DETRICK, Md. — When Winter Storm Fern descended on the Mid-Atlantic region in late January, bringing a mix of heavy snow and damaging ice to Frederick County, the response at Fort Detrick was immediate and relentless.

For 70 continuous hours, crews from the Directorate of Public Works (DPW) waged a battle against the elements, ultimately clearing more than 61,600 tons of snow and ice to restore critical operations to the installation, ensuring our warfighters and federal agencies are fully supported and always ready.

The storm, which triggered snow emergencies across the city of Frederick and closed local schools and offices, presented a significant challenge to the post’s infrastructure. However, a coordinated, multi-layered response plan allowed the installation to mitigate long-term impacts and quickly resume its mission.

Leading the charge was a team of 26 DPW personnel – 22 stationed at Fort Detrick and four at the Forest Glen Annex. The crews reported for duty at 6 p.m. on Jan. 24 and worked tirelessly through the weekend until 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 27.

“Our team’s dedication was evident in every hour of that marathon shift,” said Paul O’Brien, chief of operations and maintenance for DPW. “To move that amount of material while battling freezing conditions isn't just a job; it’s a commitment to the safety of everyone who lives and works here.”

The scale of the removal effort was massive. DPW crews are responsible for plowing 188.64 acres of paved area across the installation, including 142.64 acres of roads and parking lots and 46 acres of sidewalks. This coverage extends to Areas A, B, C, and the Forest Glen Annex.

While the storm left a mark on the region, the proactive efforts of the DPW ensured that Fort Detrick returned to full operational status as soon as safely possible, turning a potential crisis into a testament to readiness and resilience.