HAGERSTOWN — A state emergency medical services instructor and former Allegany County EMS chief died Friday of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, Maryland State Police said.
Christopher Biggs, of Keyser, West Virginia, was found shot in the parking lot of the state police Hagerstown Barrack off Sharpsburg Pike just before 5 a.m., a police spokesperson said.
His personal vehicle, a Toyota Tundra, was located on the property, police said.
A Maryland State Police Aviation Command helicopter was requested, but Biggs’ condition deteriorated and EMS crews elected to transport to Meritus Medical Center — the closest trauma center.
Biggs died at the hospital, according to the police spokesperson.
Biggs had a lengthy history in emergency services in both Allegany and Mineral counties and as an EMS educator.
“This is a horrible tragedy. At this time I want to offer prayers for Chris, support for his wife and family, as well as Chris’ friends, the members of Keyser EMS, Mineral County and the surrounding area as a whole in which he worked,” Mineral County EMS Director Dr. Catherine Kirbos said. “We will looking to set up support services for our local area in the upcoming days. I would request privacy at this time for all to process this and grieve as they need.”
His career with Allegany County Department of Emergency Services began in 2007 and he was appointed chief in October 2019.
In October 2021, county emergency services employees made a no confidence vote toward Biggs, with 85% of staff voting to support a complaint against him that included accusations of creating a hostile work environment and nepotism.
Biggs was not disciplined in that matter.
In January 2022, Biggs was one of eight people charged with hunting crimes that spanned three West Virginia counties and part of Maryland.
In a press release at the time, county officials said Biggs was suspended from his job for an “alleged violation of law.” By December of that year, he no longer worked for the county.
Biggs had been employed by the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute as an advanced life support instructor since 2023, according to the agency’s website.