2022 ANNUAL REPORT-Final

LOGO BRAND

2022

ANNUAL REPORT

Frederick CountyDivision of Fire andRescue Services

Arranged By

2

THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

COUNTY EXECUTIVE JESSICA FITZWATER

4

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

5

FREDERICK COUNTY FIRE/EMS STATIONS MAP

6

FIRE AND RESCUE STATION LOCATIONS

7

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

8

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

9

FY 2023 FISCAL SUMMARY PLAN

10

PERSONNEL SERVICES

12

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

14

OFFICE OF THE FIRE MARSHAL

24

EMERGENCY SERVICES

31

CALLS FOR SERVICE

32

ISO RATING

38

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

43

SPECIAL OPERATIONS

46

TRAINING OFFICE

49

SAFETY OFFICE

61

VOLUNTEER FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES

64

RETIREMENT NEWS

72

PUBLIC SAFETY AWARDS

75

EMS EXCELLENCE / UNIT CITATIONS

76

4

COUNTY EXECUTIVE JESSICA FITZWATER

The dedicated men and women of the Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) are committed and courageous public servants who put themselves in harm’s way to keep our community safe. They provide excellent service every day to the people who live and work in Frederick County. 2022 was a year of growth for the division. We expanded our capabilities with a record-setting three new classes of firefighter recruits, a paramedic class, and our Mobile Community Healthcare Program added staff. We secured a federal SAFER grant totaling $8.5 million, which will allow us to hire an additional 32 firefighters so we can begin to transition to four-person staffing on fire apparatus.

Jessica Fitzwater

County Executive

The long-awaited Northgate Fire Station opened in June 2022 near the intersection of Monocacy Boulevard and US 15. This station provides greatly needed access to the northwest side of the City of Frederick and the surrounding area. Open for a little more than six months in 2022, the station handled over 2,000 calls. In August 2022, DFRS started the difficult task of implementing recommendations made by an external safety review board following the Ball Road fire that took the life of Battalion Chief Joshua Laird. The review board’s report included 137 recommendations to improve our fire service and make incidents as safe as possible for our career and volunteer firefighters. A significant portion of Frederick County’s American Rescue Plan allocation was invested in the division to address nearly three dozen of the review panel’s recommendations. The funds were used to secure additional training, improve markings on equipment and apparatus, purchase 55 additional thermal cameras and antidote kits, which can reverse the effects of smoke inhalation, improve communications, and create a more robust Health and Safety Office within the Division. Operational policies continue to be updated, and an intensive training program is underway to ensure everyone understands the new policies. We are committed to reducing our risk of future tragic events. Recognizing the sacrifices that our emergency responders made throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we dedicated a COVID-19 memorial at Utica District Park that honors our health care heroes and essential workers. Keeping our community safe is a fundamental role of county government. The firefighters/EMTs and paramedics in Frederick County are among the best in the State of Maryland. They deliver a high level of care, saving lives and protecting property.

As County Executive, I am proud of the work DFRS does every day. The people of Frederick County are grateful to the dedicated men and women who keep our community safe.

Jessica Fitzwater County Executive

5

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

On behalf of the men and women of the Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS), it is my pleasure to present the Division’s annual report for Calendar Year 2022. Our annual report highlights the many activities and accomplishments of the Division over the last year and profiles the outstanding work of the men and women who provide your fire and rescue services. In 2022, our volunteer and career personnel answered 37,975 calls for emergency service, an average of 104 emergency responses per day. This level of operational tempo requires our organization to maintain a high state of readiness, which is accomplished through regular inspection and testing of our apparatus and equipment, as well as regular training to exercise the technical knowledge and skills of our personnel. These efforts ensure the provision of the high-quality emergency service response that our citizens deserve.

Thomas E. Coe

Chief

As in years past, 2022 was a very active year for our Fire/Rescue system. We were able to open the new Northgate Fire Station on June 21 st . The new 18,700 square

foot facility located at 37 Thomas Johnson Drive has vastly improved response times in the rapidly growing area of northern Frederick City and the surrounding communities. This facility also allowed for the consolidation of our technical rescue team. The Northgate Fire Station is staffed by 8 staff members 24 hours a day seven days a week and houses an engine, ambulance, ALS chase car, Battalion Chief, EMS Supervisor, technical rescue vehicles as wel l as the county’s new mobile command and communications unit. Following a structure fire which occurred on August 11, 2021, on Ball Road which resulted in the loss of Battalion Chief Josh Laird in the line of duty, an external review panel was assembled to conduct a thorough, transparent, and honest review of the incident. The panel was charged with gathering relevant facts and information to assess all factors that contributed to the outcome of the Ball Road Incident. The panel was asked to make recommendations on systemic changes and measures needed to prevent or minimize the impact of future similar events. On August 26 th the External Safety Review Panel Report was released and included 137 recommendations related to operational, procedural, and organizational processes within the Frederick County Fire Service. Since the release of the report, staff have been hard at work to directly address each recommendation made by the external safety review panel. In September, we received word that Frederick County was awarded a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant through the Department of Homeland Security. The $8.5 million dollar grant will pay 100% of the salary and benefits for 32 firefighters for three years. The 32 firefighters represent the first step of a multi-step plan to implement 4-person minimum staffing on fire engines, rescue squads and aerial apparatus. Four-person minimum staffing was a major recommendation that was made in the Ball Road report and the award of this grant helped move that recommendation forward. Also, in 2022 Frederick County completed its quinquennial Public Protection Classification (PPC) Survey completed by the Insurance Services Office (ISO). The PPC Program plays an important role in the underwriting process at insurance companies. The PPC survey evaluates several components of a jurisdiction’s response to fire re lated emergencies to include their 911 system, fire/recue staffing, training, response times and water supply. I am proud to say that Frederick County made major improvements to their PPC rating, and more information on this topic can be found within our annual report. The men and women of our Division remain focused on our mission of providing the best fire and emergency medical services possible to our community. I could not be more proud of the level of dedication and professionalism they display on a daily basis.

Chief Thomas E. Coe, Director

6

FREDERICK COUNTY FIRE/EMS STATIONS

Fire/Rescue station locations are depicted by corresponding station number (see list on following page).

7

FIRE AND RESCUE STATION LOCATIONS

Co.

Name

Address

1

Independent Hose Co.

310 Baughman’s Lane, Frederick, MD 21702

2

Junior Fire Co.

535 North Market Street, Frederick, MD 21701

3

United Steam Fire Engine Co.

79 South Market Street, Frederick, MD 21701

4

Citizens Truck Co.

9 South Court Street, Frederick, MD 21701

5

Brunswick Volunteer Fire Co.

1500 Volunteer Drive, P.O. Box 156, Brunswick, MD 21716

6

Vigilant Hose Co.

25 West Main Street, P.O. Box 171, Emmitsburg, MD 21727

7

Middletown Volunteer Fire Co.

401 Franklin Street, P.O. Box 322, Middletown, MD 21769

8

Myersville Volunteer Fire Co.

301 Main Street, P.O. Box 95, Myersville, MD 21773

9

New Midway Volunteer Fire Co.

12019 Woodsboro Pike, P.O. Box 67, New Midway, MD 21775

10

Guardian Hose Co.

21 North Church Street, Thurmont, MD 21788

11

Walkersville Volunteer Fire Co.

79 West Frederick Street, P.O. Box 425, Walkersville, MD 21793

12

Braddock Heights Volunteer Fire Co.

6715 Jefferson Blvd., Braddock Heights, MD 21714

13

Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Co.

13516 Motters Station Road, P.O. Box 154, Rocky Ridge, MD 21778

14

Carroll Manor Volunteer Fire Co.

2795 Adams Street, Adamstown, MD 21710

15

New Market Dist. Volunteer Fire Co.

76 West Main Street, P.O. Box 925, New Market, MD 21774

16

Woodsboro Volunteer Fire Co.

2 South Third Street, Woodsboro, MD 21798

17

Libertytown Volunteer Fire Co.

12027 South Street, P.O. Box 33, Libertytown, MD 21762

18

Graceham Volunteer Fire Co.

14026 Graceham Road, P.O. Box 181, Thurmont, MD 21788

19

Brunswick Ambulance Co.

200 West Potomac Street, Brunswick, MD 21716

20

Jefferson Volunteer Fire. Co.

4603-A Lander Road, P.O. Box 578, Jefferson, MD 21755

21

Wolfsville Volunteer Fire Co.

12464 Wolfsville Road, Myersville, MD 21773

22

Lewistown Dist. Volunteer Fire Co.

11101 Hessong Bridge Road, Frederick, MD 21701

23

Urbana Volunteer Fire/Rescue Co.

3602 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD 21704

24

Walkersville Volunteer Rescue Co.

73 Frederick Street, P.O. Box 202, Walkersville, MD 21793

25

Green Valley Station

3939 Green Valley Road, Monrovia, MD 21770

27

Public Safety Training Facility

5370 Public Safety Place, Frederick, MD 21704

28

Point of Rocks Station

1809 Ballenger Creek Pike, Point of Rocks, MD 21777

29

Northgate Fire Station

37 Thomas Johnson Drive, Frederick, MD 21702

30

Thurmont Comm. Ambulance Station

27 North Church Street, Thurmont, MD 21788

31

United/Westview Fire Station

5525 New Design Road, Frederick, MD 21703

33

Spring Ridge Fire Station

6061 Spring Ridge Parkway, Frederick, MD 21701

8

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

DFRS Organizational Structure

The Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) provides critical life safety services to citizens and visitors of Frederick County. DFRS employs 574 uniformed personnel, 16 civilian personnel and partners with hundreds of volunteer responders to serve the nearly 284,000 citizens of Frederick County that reside over the 664 square miles of jurisdiction. The Division of Fire and Rescue Services is broken down into three sections each led by a Deputy Chief that functions under the Office of the Director. The Emergency Services Section includes the field operations, emergency medical services, training, safety, and special operations offices. The Administrative Services Section includes the finance, logistics, fire marshal and EMS billing offices. The Volunteer Services Section coordinates with our 25 independent volunteer Fire, Rescue and EMS corporations as well as coordinates a countywide volunteer recruitment and retention program. The Division of Fire and Rescue Services works on a daily basis with both the Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association and the Frederick County Career Firefighters and Paramedics Association (IAFF Local #3666) to ensure that our combination fire/rescue system of career and volunteer responders continue our long history of high quality and professional service to Frederick County.

The men and women of DFRS are held to the highest standard of moral and ethical character and work to protect your life and property professionally, enthusiastically, and to their utmost ability.

Mission Statement To safely provide Fire, Rescue and Emergency Medical Services while educating, reducing risk and protecting our community in a professional, efficient manner with a well-trained, healthy workforce.

9

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

Chief Tom Coe Director

Sarah Campbell Manager of Administration and Communications

Leslie Lenhart Executive Assistant

Personnel Services

Public Information Officer

Deputy Chief M. Shane Darwick Volunteer Services

Deputy Chief Kenny Poole Emergency Services

Deputy Chief Steve Leatherman Administrative Services

Field Operations

Volunteer Coordination

Finance

Volunteer Recruitment & Retention

Emergency Medical Services

Logistics, Fleet & Facilities

Training

Fire Marshal

Special Operations

Ambulance Billing

10

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

FY 2023 Fiscal Plan Summary

Approved

Actual

Actual

Actual

Budget

Description

FY20

FY21

FY22

FY23

$

4,525,561

$ 3,800,084 $

4,355,453 $

3,900,000

Revenues:

Expenditures Office of the Director Administrative Services Emergency Services Ambulance Billing Office Fire Marshal's Office Training Office

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

678,998 $ 662,607 $

713,817 $ 1,433,448 $ 2,121,845 $ 528,249 $ 768,593 $ 3,333,649 $ 944,320 $ 4,462,355 $ 593,199 $ $ 67,186,976 $ $ $

852,331

1,559,952 1,373,297

$ 1,375,755 $ 1,144,955

1,738,768 2,876,386 69,265,531

$ 56,090,625 $ 51,903,815

576,074 $ 515,438 $ 541,715 $ 694,426 $

596,511 726,296

2,849,748

$ 2,897,245 $

3,800,697

Volunteer Fire Rescue Services Misc. Volunteer Fire Rescue Companies

687,711 $ 1,017,867 $

942,401

4,250,166

$ 4,128,574 $

5,024,770

Volunteer Fire Companies Senator Amoss Funds

582,967 $ 599,922 $

600,000

$ 69,191,252 $ 64,940,605

$ 82,086,451 $

86,423,691

Total Expenditures

Number of Positions Office of the Director Administrative Services Emergency Services Ambulance Billing Office Fire Marshal's Office Training Office

4 7 7 4 4 4 0 0 0

4 7 6 3 4 4 0 0 0

4 7 8 3 4 4 0 0 0

5 8 9 3 4 4 0 0 0

474

488

499

526

Volunteer Fire Rescue Services Misc. Volunteer Fire Rescue Companies

Volunteer Fire Companies Senator Amoss Funds

504

516

529

559

Total Number of Personnel

11

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

FY 2023 FISCAL PLAN

Office of the Director

Approved

Actual

Actual

Actual

Budget

Description

FY20

FY21

FY22

FY23

Number of Personnel

4

4

4

5

Revenues: Interest on Real Property Taxes Contributions and Donations Total Reinvestments/Revenue

$ 2,186 $ 1,000 $ 3,186

$ 3,213

$ $ $

- $ - $

0 0

$

-

$ 3,213

-

$

-

Expenditures:

Salary & Wages

$ 368,705 $364,928 $ 394,570 $ 467,091

Overtime

$

- $ 2,588 $

- $

0

Health Insurance

$ 64,552 $ 20,256

$ 68,381 $ 73,291 $ 85,450 $ 10,272 $ 10,272 $ 8,400

OPEB

Dental Insurance

$

182 $ 169

$

181 $

180

Social Security/Medicare

$ 26,186 $ 51,251

$ 24,998 $ 27,049 $ 33,449 $ 52,430 $ 59,757 $ 65,762

Retirement

Unemployment Cont. Workman's Comp.

$

205

$ 204

$

251

$

255

$ 1,983 $ 1,115

$ 3,865 $ 3,985 $ 5,244 $ 1,174 $ 1,285 $ 1,623

Life Insurance

Total Salary & Fringes Operating Costs: Equipment Maint./Repairs Telephone Base/Activity Wireless Communications

$ 534,435 $529,008 $ 570,641

$ 667,454

$

267

$

-

$

201 $

100

$ 2,173 $ 1,492 $ 4,750 $ 2,580 $ 2,239

$ 1,819 $ $ 2,706 $ $ 2,626 $

1,857 $ 3,403 3,315 $ 4,210 750 $ 1,200 4,242 $ 12,528 1,085 $ 8,023 684 $ 1,000 63 $ 0

Advertising

Travel/Training Staff Mileage

$

-

$

$ 6,607 $

Postage

$

928 $ 2,546 $

Dues/Subscriptions

$ 1,087 $ 11,007

$ 2,190 $

Printing

$ 9,854 $ 11,775 $ 27,588

Safety Supplies

$ $

4 $ - $ - $

0 0 0

Computer H/W and S/W

$ $ $ $

356 $

-

Misc. Supplies

- $

84 $

Non Capital Equipment

- $ 127 $

80 $ 2,705

Fleet Fuel

46 $

- $

1,382 $

0

Office Supplies

$ 27,638 $ 90,000

$ 15,040 $ 27,739 $ 34,120 $ 90,000 $ 90,000 $ 90,000

Misc Fire/Rescue Approp.

Total Operating Expenses

$ 144,564 $133,599 $ 143,176

$ 184,877

Total Budget

$ 678,998 $662,607 $ 713,817

$ 852,331

12

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

Personnel Services

Uniformed New Hire Recruitment

The Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services started off 2022 with the graduation of Recruit Classes 30 and 31 in January culminating in 44 firefighters beginning their station assignment. On February 28, 2022, Recruit Class 32 began their 28-week academy and graduated 26 firefighters in September 2022. In the spring of 2022, we began out next recruitment campaign for our future recruit classes. The application process began in June and conditional offers were sent out in October 2022 for Recruit Classes 33 and 34. During that time, we were approved for another SAFER grant for 32 firefighter positions. With a rapidly diminishing list, a new application period was opened in November 2022. Recruit Classes 33 and 34 will begin simultaneously on January 30, 2023, and Recruit Class 35 will begin on April 24, 2023.

Overall, 2022 consisted of graduating one recruit class and beginning two recruiting periods for classes that will begin early 2023.

Throughout 2022, the division encountered 28 separations from employment of its current personnel. Four were from recruit resignations, medical separations, and terminations related to academics. Thirteen were resignations, ten were eligible retirements, and one tragic loss of our brother, Firefighter Zachary Paris.

Uniformed Promotions (Competitive and Non-Competitive)

During 2022, the Technician, Lieutenant, and Captain eligibility lists were all exhausted prior to their expiration date. A promotional process was conducted for all 3 of those ranks and yielded the eligibility lists of 10 Technicians (June 2022), 11 Lieutenants (June 2022), and 8 Captains (July 2022). Of those, 8 Technicians, 4 Lieutenants, and 2 Captains were promoted from those lists in 2022. The Battalion Chief eligibility list established in December of 2021 is still current and active with 2 remaining candidates.

In 2022 the County Executive and County Council approved the hire of 22 Leave Impact positions and two positions for the Mobile Community Healthcare program to be filled in 2023.

The Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services also received funding to fill the following positions to achieve compliance with recommendations made in the Ball Road After Action Report:

➢ Lieutenant - Training ➢ Battalion Chief - Safety ➢ Captain – Safety

13

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

Personnel Services (continued)

2022 saw 32 competitive promotions made: • Captain to Battalion Chief………………….. ..2 • Lieutenant to Captain………………………… 2 • Lieutenant Medic to Captain Medic…………. 2 • Technician to Lieutenant…………………….. 5 • Technician Medic to Lieutenant Medic………2 • Firefighter III to Lieutenant………………… ..3 • Fire Medic III to Lieutenant Medic………… ..3 • Firefighter III to Technician………………… 11 • Fire Medic III to Technician Medic…………. 2 129 Non-Competitive Upgrades were made: • Firefighter Recruit to Firefighter I…………. ..70 • Firefighter I to Firefighter II………………… 41 • Fire Medic I to Fire Medic II………………….2 • Firefighter II to Firefighter III……………… .13 • Fire Medic II to Fire Medic III……………… ..3

Non-Uniformed New Hire Recruitment and Promotions

Behavioral Health Coordinator, Natalie Bowers, was hired in April 2022. Command Competency Instructor, William Ball, was hired in November 2022. Equipment Technician, Phillip Thacker, was hired in November 2022.

Curtis Hull was promoted from Logistics Specialist to Equipment Technician.

Grievances and Appeals

Three grievances/appeals for 3 personnel were addressed in 2022.

14

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

The Administrative Services Section includes Logistics support to all the Fire/Rescue/EMS companies in the County, Ambulance Transport Insurance Billing, Fleet Management, Vehicle Acquisition/Specifications, Breathing Apparatus Technicians, and Equipment Technicians. The Administrative Services Section also provides oversight to the Fire Marshal’s Office. Additionally, the Administrative Services Section provides fiscal management and is responsible for developing and administering the budgets for the Division of Fire and Rescue Services, Frederick County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association ’ s corporations, and eleven committees and specialty teams. Responsibilities also include procurement and contract management. The total FY22 budget for the Division of Fire and Rescue Services is $82,086,451 and employs 590 full-time employees. The Administrative Services Section provides oversight for the Capital Improvement Projects for the Division of Fire and Rescue, which is budgeted at $58M over the next six years. These projects include the construction of new fire stations, fire apparatus replacement, emergency generator replacement program, installing water storage tanks in rural areas, Training Center improvements, and other major capital projects such as county- wide Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus replacement and cardiac monitors.

The Administrative Services Section is staffed with 15 full-time employees and 4 part-time employees to include the following:

1 - Deputy Chief 1 - Administrative Coordinator 1 - Fiscal Manager 1 – Warehouse/Logistics Manager 3 - Equipment Technicians 1 - Breathing Apparatus Technician 2 - Part-Time Logistics Support

1 - Ambulance Billing Coordinator 2 - Ambulance Billing Specialists 1 - Battalion Chief—Fire Marshal’s Office 3 - Lieutenant—Fire Marshal’s Office 2 - Part-Time Background Investigator

15

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Logistics

The Logistics office provides support to the Division of Fire and Rescue Services and the companies within the Frederick County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association. The logistics function includes the operations of a supply warehouse located at 1501 Tilco Drive. They provide short- and long-term emergency incident support with equipment and supplies. An inventory of supplies, hoses and equipment is maintained and issued as needed. Logistics is also responsible for issuing and ordering personal protective equipment (PPE) to the C ounty’s career and volunteer personnel and are certified to inspect/test PPE to conform to the NFPA 1851 Standard and maintain accountability of all PPE issued. Additionally, Logistics processes over 1,000 purchase orders and requisitions each year for supplies and equipment that is delivered to the thirty (30) fire and rescue stations, and the Public Safety Training Facility on a weekly basis. Uniforms are issued and inventory maintained to support the needs of the C ounty’s uniformed employees. Logistics has also taken over the inventory management of COVID Supplies and PPE for the County. The Ambulance Transport Insurance Billing Program generates over $6.2 million dollars in revenue on an annual basis, with approximately $1.9 million dollars distributed to the transporting fire/rescue companies. This program reviews over twenty thousand EMS reports on an annual basis and submits to our billing agent for invoicing. The program also administers the Subscription Club for the local fire and rescue corporations, which entitles the subscriber relief of any additional cost of the service above what the insurance company will reimburse for emergency medical transport. The subscription club collects approximately $361,000 and distributes to the first due fire/rescue Company which the subscriber lives in. The HIPAA Compliance Officer is a separate function within the Division of Fire and Rescue but works very closely with the Ambulance Transport Billing Program and on behalf of the Division of Fire and Rescue and its 26 member companies. This position ensures we are in compliance with all State, Federal and Medicare rules and regulations. Is responsible for staying abreast of federal, state, and local regulations and implementing such changes as they apply to ambulance providers. o Is responsible for statistical and financial reporting. Monthly, quarterly, and fiscal year end. o The program educates and works with the general public to ensure no resident suffers a financial hardship associated with service provided. o Works closely with mutual-aid fire/EMS companies for reimbursement of upgrade services and subscription club membership. o The Billing Coordinator works hand and hand with the Billing Agent and insurance carriers to ensure accurate billing and reimbursement. Additionally, this program: o Ambulance Transport Insurance Billing

16

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Breathing Apparatus Technicians

The Breathing Apparatus Technician assigned to the Administrative Services Division is responsible for maintenance, repair and testing of the C ounty’s 700+ Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and RIT (Rapid Intervention Team) Packs. This is done in accordance with the manufacturers and NFPA required standards. They maintain, configure, issue, and document the stock of SCBA face pieces used by the career and volunteer firefighters. In addition, they are responsible for the maintenance and required air monitoring of the 19 fixed and mobile breathing air compressors, mobile cascades and supplied air systems throughout the County. In addition, their responsibilities include maintenance, repair and testing of the medical oxygen regulators and monitoring equipment, portable area lighting and hand-lights, fire nozzles and various types of electronic and scientific equipment. Calibration of instruments, torque tools, pressure gauges and other force and load tools.

Equipment Maintenance Technician

The Equipment Maintenance Technician’s responsibilities include the maintenance and repair of the small gas engines for the saws, portable pumps and generators used by the County’s fire/rescue companies and other hand tools and equipment. In addition, responsibilities include serving as program manager for Standards Inspections, Pumps Testing, Ladder Testing and Hose Testing county-wide for all the fire/rescue apparatus, ambulances, and other vehicles. The technicians are also certified in the testing, maintenance and repairs to ladders used on the fire apparatus.

17

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Accomplishments

• Northgate Fire Station – Construction of the new Northgate Fire Station was completed, and the fire station became operational in June 2022.

• Contract was issued for the ADA Improvements and blacktop resurfacing at the Public Safety Training Facility. Construction was completed in December 2022.

• DFRS received a grant from the State of Maryland in the amount of $1.5 million dollars for construction of a training/apparatus garage & storage building and renovations of the Public Safety Training Facility Annex locker rooms to better accommodate recruit training. This building is currently under design and expected bids for construction to be issued in Spring 2023.

• COVID continues to consume a lot of time for our Logistics personnel with the need to maintain and track inventory.

• Lo gistics has moved from their previous location on Scholl’s Lane to Tilco Drive. This facility is almost 4 times the space of the previous facility at Scholl’s Lane. The facility at Tilco Drive underwent a major renovation prior to moving and Logistics personnel handled the move. • Took delivery of the new Command Unit for Frederick County. This is a joint use vehicle between Emergency Management, The Sheriff’s Department and Division of Fire and Rescue. This unit is stationed at the Northgate Fire Station.

• Took delivery of the new Tractor Drawn Aerial Ladder Truck (Truck 23). This is a replacement of an older ladder truck that was assigned to the Urbana Fire Station.

• Issued a $2.4M contract to Stryker for the installation of Power Loads, new Cots and Stair Chairs in all the ambulances in Frederick County (Volunteer and County owned).

• Issued a contract with Pierce Mfg., for the purchase of 4 new pumpers, 1 tanker and 1 mid-mount ladder truck.

• Issued a contract with FESCO for the purchase of a new ambulance to be assigned to the Northgate Fire Station.

• Order was placed with Ford for a replacement and upgrade of the Hazardous Materials Support Unit.

• Contract issued with Fidelity Power for the installation of new Emergency Generators at the New Market Fire Station and Walkersville Ambulance Company.

• Issued and awarded new EMS Billing contract to AMB (Credit Bureau Reporting Inc.) for our Ambulance Transport Billing Program.

18

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

•

Accomplishments (continued)

• Design for the replacement of the Green Valley Fire Station is about 80% complete. Issue has developed regarding the water and sewer for the fire station. The design for a new sewer line to be installed from the Landsdale sub-division to the fire station site has been completed. Bids for the construction of the sewer line are expected to be issued in the spring of 2023. The design of the fire station has restarted. It ’ s anticipated bids for construction of the fire station will be ready late 2023. • The EMS Billing Program generated $6.2 million dollars in revenue, of which $1.9M of was distributed to the various Fire/EMS companies. The remainder is used to offset personnel cost of ALS and BLS personnel. • The Equipment Technician and members of the Special Projects Group, assisted with the county-wide ladder and hose testing for all ladders and fire hose used in the fire service. Because of the training they received previously from Alcoa Ladder, Inc., they were able to complete all the repairs in house, saving the County thousands of dollars in repair and replacement cost. • The Equipment Technician and the Special Projects Group completed the annual pumps test and equipment inspections of all fire apparatus and ambulances. In addition, all vehicles were weighed to ensure compliance with the gross vehicle weight limitations.

• Continue to install the APS Fire Station Alerting systems in all the fire stations in the County. This is the 2 nd year of a 3-year program.

• Contract was awarded for the purchase of a new Air Cascade Unit and Advanced Technical Rescue Vehicle. Due to supply chain issues, delivery has been delayed until fall of 2023.

• Continuing the project for the replacement of the Knox Box electronic key cores with the new E-Key Secure System cores. Expect completion late in 2023.

19

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

FY 2023 FISCAL PLAN

Approved

Actual

Actual

Actual

Budget

Description

FY20

FY21

FY22

FY23

Number of Personnel

7

7

7

8

Expenditures: Salary & Wages

$ 458,723

$ 467,697

$ 526,021

$ 585,354

Overtime

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

6,202 62,566 35,448

$

5,792

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

12,615 91,914 17,976

$

0

Health Insurance

$ 78,921 $ 17,976

$ 104,921 $ 13,440

OPEB

Dental Insurance

279

$

282

362

$

360

Social Security/Medicare

34,345 61,511

$ 34,737 $ 61,010

39,643 71,381

$ 44,156 $ 77,795

Retirement

Unemployment Cont. Workman's Comp.

397

$ $ $

426

429

$ $ $

408

4,013 1,379

7,883 1,457

8,471 1,686

9,302 2,035

Life Insurance

Total Salary & Fringes Operating Costs: Medical (Physicals)

$ 664,863

$ 676,183

$ 770,498

$ 837,771

$ $ $

- -

$ $

- -

- -

$ 1,800 $ 35,500 $ 201,717 $ 14,251 $ 178,576 $ 217,339 $ 1,375 $ 4,550 $ 1,907 $ 3,000 $ 6,000 $ 71,000 $ 15,000 $ 19,800 $ 40,000 $ 9,782 $ 74,138 $ 5,262 $ - $ - $ $ - -

Computer License & Maintenance

Equipment Maint./Repairs

88,666

$ 172,333

99,436

Fleet Charges

$ 124,637

$

-

19

Telephone Base/Activity Wireless Communications

$

11,573

$ 10,771 $ 177,936 $ 125,214

10,773

$ 159,225 $ 152,865

$ 173,118 $ 172,035

Contracted Services Dues/Subscriptions Equipment Rental Custodial Supplies

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

1,575 2,126

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

1,575 6,066 2,275 1,295

1,635 4,118 1,753

- -

Small Tools

658

Uniforms/Safety Shoes

128

-

-

Hand-light & Nozzle Repair Supplies

1,514

1,762

45

Nonexpendable Supplies

- -

- -

- -

CO 25 Supplies SCBA Supplies

50,213

$ 79,247

68,944

Medical/Surgical Supplies Breathing Air Supplies Emrg HAZMAT Supplies

-

$ $

7,334 9,773

-

20,557 24,297 2,193

16,789 16,633 5,622 23,229 68,144

$ 40,053

Misc. Supplies

$

8,287

Computer S/W and H/W Non Capital Equipment

$ 180,072

$ 28,023 $ 56,081

47,800 27,647

Fleet Fuel

$ $ $

-

- - - -

$ $ $ $

- - -

Event Expense

- - -

259

Capital Equipment-NonBuilding

-

Misc. Recovery

$ (28,713) $ 699,573 $ 1,375,755

-

Total Operating Expenses

$ 895,089 $ 1,559,952

$ 662,951 $ 1,433,448

$ 900,997 $1,738,768

Total Budget

20

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

FY 2023 FISCAL PLAN

Ambulance Billing Office

Approved

Actual

Actual

Actual

Budget

Description

FY20

FY21

FY22

FY23

Number of Personnel Revenues: Federal Grants - Direct

4

3

3

3

$

376,719 $

- $

- $

-

Ambulance Insurance Billing Fire/Rescue Co. Proceeds Fire Rescue Subscriptions Fire/Rescue Subscription Credits Total Reinvestments/Revenue

$ 5,949,183

$ 5,419,723 $ 6,225,473 $

6,000,000 (2,100,000) 395,000 (395,000) 3,900,000

$ (1,817,216) $ (1,639,550) $ (1,868,790) $

$ $

343,630 $ 357,596 $

360,849 $

(329,941) $ (343,242)

$ (357,930)

$

$ 4,522,376

$ 3,794,526 $ 4,359,603 $

Expenditures: Salary & Wages

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

162,279 $ 130,630 $

137,426 $

147,148

Overtime

- $

- $

- $

-

Health Insurance

32,153 $ 20,256 $

29,938 7,704

$ $

32,467 7,704

$ $

34,132 5,040

OPEB

Dental Insurance

161 $

167 $

181 $

180

Social Security/Medicare

11,926 $ 15,329 $

9,475 14,900

$ $

9,915 15,941

$ $

11,257 17,070

Retirement

Unemployment Cont. Workman's Comp.

226 $ 93 $ 492 $

153 $ 157 $ 425 $

144 $ 163 $ 455 $

153 133 512

Life Insurance

Total Salary & Fringes Operating Costs: Banking/Investment Telephone Base/Activity

242,915 $ 193,549 $

204,396 $

215,625

29,397

$

35,027 1,791

$ $

21,036 1,757

$ $

31,334 3,140

1,989 $

Advertising

- $

- $

- $

400

Travel/Training

1,954 $

2,495

$

2,219

$

10,000

Mileage

216 $

- $

- $

-

Contracted Services

256,625 $ 239,229 $

250,613 $

274,400 48,500

Postage

38,936 $

39,496

$

41,652

$

Dues/Subscriptions

- $

- $

- $

400

Printing

274

$

663 $

756 $

2,712 5,000 5,000

Computer S/W and H/W Non Capital Equipment

3,768 $

3,188

$

1,172 4,648

$ $

- $ - $

- $ - $

Office Supplies

- $

-

Total Operating Expenses

333,159 $ 321,889 $ 576,074 $ 515,438 $

323,853 $ 528,249 $

380,886 596,511

Total Budget

21

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Command Unit – Joint project by Emergency Management, Sheriff's Dept. and DFRS

A-318 2020 Ford Horton Ambulance assigned to the Westview Fire Station

Truck 23 for the Urbana Fire Station

Command Unit – Under Construction as of January 2022

Ambulance 339 assigned to the Spring Ridge Fire Station

22

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

New Truck 5 – 107’ Rear Mount Ladder Truck

A

Engine 291 for Northgate Fire Station

23

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Rendering of Green Valley Fire Station #25

Northgate Fire Station #29

Rendering of Green Valley Fire Station #25

24

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Office of the Fire Marshal The goal of the Frederick County Fire Marshal’s Office is to protect life and property, and to foster a fire-safe environment through engineering, education, and enforcement. The Fire Marshals are responsible for providing fire, life safety, and other code enforcement and investigative activities throughout Frederick County and its municipalities. The Office of the Fire Marshal is comprised of two sections: Code Enforcement and Investigations. Fire Marshals are certified in Code Enforcement; they are Certified Fire and Explosion Investigators (CFEI) through the National Association of Fire Investigators; and they are certified Fire Investigation Technicians (FIT) through the International Association of Arson Investigators. Each of these certifications requires proficiency and competency in all phases of code enforcement and investigation through successful completion of “hands-on” skills testing, a written examination process, and continuing education.

All personnel assigned to the Office of the Fire Marshal are appointed by the Maryland State Fire Marshal as Special Assistant State Fire Marshals/Investigators.

Northgate Fire Station

Code Enforcement Section

The goal of the Code Enforcement Section is to ensure public safety and welfare through compliance with various fire and life safety code regulations. There are over 7,000 properties subject to inspection throughout Frederick County. Fire Marshals conduct fire and life safety inspections in accordance with the Frederick County and Maryland State Fire Prevention Codes. A Fire Marshal is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to handle emergent code enforcement and other complaints and investigations. The most common hazards noted during regular fire and life safety inspections include lack of properly maintained fire suppression and detection systems, lack of properly maintained smoke alarms, obstructed sprinkler heads and fire department connections, blocked exits, overcrowded conditions, excessive storage, improper use of extension cords, electrical deficiencies, non-working emergency lighting and exit signs, and crowd management deficiencies. The Office of the Fire Marshal prioritizes inspections by the potential for loss of life or injury. Public assembly buildings, which include restaurants, meeting halls, churches, public and private schools, and apartment buildings, represent the greatest threat to life safety. All buildings must comply with the Fire Prevention Code with the exception of one and two-family dwellings. Checks of mercantile properties, which tend to become overcrowded and/or overstocked during peak holiday shopping periods, are usually performed during the holidays.

25

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Office of the Fire Marshal (continued)

The Office of the Fire Marshal is also required to inspect facilities, throughout the County, which have a liquor license, all government owned buildings, certain State-licensed buildings, and premises, which include migrant labor camps, day camps, trailer parks, home adoptions, and assisted living facilities in single family homes. Certain special events, such as the Fourth of July celebration in Baker Park, In the Streets, and the Great Frederick Fair, are also inspected by this office. Fire Marshals also investigate complaints for vacant buildings and excessive vegetation and work with property owners to secure structures and/or gain code compliance. Additionally, any request for a Building Inspector after normal business hours is handled by the Office of the Fire Marshal, with the exception of requests originating within the City of Frederick.

Investigations Section

Internal Investigations

From time to time, the Office of the Fire Marshal is required to perform internal investigations to ensure that the County’s and the Division’s policies and procedures address the needs of the citizens and the fire/rescue and EMS services as a whole.

Origin and Cause Investigations

Maryland law requires that all fires and explosions be investigated in order to establish the cause. The Office of the Fire Marshal works with the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office and other law enforcement agencies as needed when conducting origin and cause investigations. Origin and cause investigations are conducted in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was developed in the Fall of 2010 and is working well. The MOU pools resources together fro m the Frederick County Fire Marshal’s Office, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, and the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office; thus, creating the Frederick County Fire Investigation Taskforce. The information that is obtained by conducting origin and cause investigations may point to a need to educate the public or business community, demonstrate, or identify potential design or equipment defects, correct code deficiencies, or cause recommended code modifications.

Fire Fatalities

In 2022 there were 2 reported fire related fatalities. One of the fire related deaths occurred on the interstate in a moving vehicle and was handled by the Maryland State Police.

26

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

FY 2023 FISCAL PLAN

Office of the Fire Marshal

Approved

Actual

Actual

Actual

Budget

Description

FY20

FY21

FY22

FY23

Number of Personnel

4

4

4

4

Expenditures: Salary & Wages

$ 319,499

$ 374,265 $ 400,636 $ 430,400

Overtime

$ 25,602 $ 98,636 $ 53,555 $ 55,152 $ 20,256 $ 10,272

$ 101,630 $ 17,676

Health Insurance

$ 70,512 $ 10,272

$ 83,873

OPEB

$

6,720

Dental Insurance

$

231

$

155 $

167 $

120

Social Security/Medicare

$ 25,265 $ 32,434 $ 52,721 $ 66,312

$ 34,639 $ 79,201

$ 34,277 $ 77,041

Retirement

Unemployment Cont. Workman's Comp.

$

205

$

205 $

162 $

204

$ 29,299 $ 36,888 $ 1,022 $ 1,206

$ 40,819 $ 1,319

$ 39,502

Life Insurance

$

1,496

Total Salary & Fringes

$ 527,655

$ 675,526 $ 739,356 $ 691,309

Operating Costs: Medical (Physicals)

$ $

- $ - $

- $ - $

- $ - $

2,763

Radio Maint

67

Telephone Base/Activity Wireless Communications Dues/Subscriptions Uniforms/Safety Shoes Computer S/W and H/W Non Capital Equipment Total Operating Expenses

$ 2,854 $ 2,469 $ 4,951 $ 5,426 $ 1,705 $ 2,045 $ 1,182 $ 3,768

$ 2,530 $ 9,887 $ 3,665 $ 3,881

$ $ $ $ $ $

2,360 7,810 2,430 7,607 3,500 8,450

$

384

$

440 $ 1,739

$ 2,985 $ 4,752 $ 14,059 $ 18,900

$ 7,535 $ 29,237

$ 34,987

Total Budget

$ 541,715

$ 694,426 $ 768,593 $ 726,296

27

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Office of the Fire Marshal

Top 10 Costliest Fires of 2022

Date

Address

Zip Code

Cause

Total Loss

6/29/2022

Old Camp Airy Rd

21788

Unclassified

$ 2,000,000.00

8/24/2022

W. Second Street

21701

Unclassified

$ 2,000,000.00

9/7/2022

N. East Street

21701

Unclassified

$ 1,500,000.00

7/14/2022

Ethan Ridge Drive

21704

Unclassified

$ 1,000,000.00

1/12/2022

Gambrill Park Road

21702

Accidental

$ 500,000.00

12/2/2022

Primus Court

21701

Accidental

$ 500,000.00

2/22/2022

Mountain Laurel Drive

21702

Unclassified

$ 400,000.00

3/14/2022

Mountain Laurel Drive

21702

Accidental

$ 400,000.00

8/15/2022

Reels Mill Road

21704

Unclassified

$ 400,000.00

3/23/2022

N. East Street

21701

Accidental

$ 250,000.00

TOTAL

$ 8,950,000.00

28

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Office of the Fire Marshal Calls for Service

MAIN CALL TYPE

SUB CALL TYPE

2022 INCIDENTS

Administrative

324

Assist Individual

4 3 3 3

Assist Other Agency Assist Other Agency Assist Other Agency Assist Other Agency Assist Other Agency Assist Other Agency Assist Other Agency

Police—Frederick City Police Department Police—Frederick County Sheriff’s Office City of Frederick Office of Life Safety Frederick County Office of Life Safety Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office

33 43

4 9

Not Specified

Building Inspector

23

Burn Injury Burn Injury Burn Injury Burn Injury Burn Injury

6 8 4 2 2 2 5 3 0 2 1 4 2 4 1 1 1 3 1 1 7 6 5

Burn by Fire

Burn by Other Means

Chemical Burn Electrical Burn Blighted Property

Complaint—Investigative Complaint—Investigative Complaint—Investigative Complaint—Investigative Complaint—Investigative Complaint—Investigative Complaint—Investigative Complaint—Investigative Complaint—Investigative Complaint—Investigative

Building Case

Egress Obstructed

Fire Hydrant Blocked

Fire Lane Violation

Overcrowding

Overgrown Vegetation

Unsafe Condition

Fireworks

90

Not Specified

Consult Consult Consult Consult

Capacity Certificate Verification

Fire Code Related Matter

Special Event Not Specified Criminal Court

Court

Education / Outreach

Follow Up Follow Up Follow Up Follow Up

Building Case

Egress Obstructed

Fire Hydrant Blocked

Not Specified

18 20 18 50 11 12

Information Provided Inspection—Initial Inspection—Initial Inspection—Initial Inspection—Initial

Apartment Building / Condo

Assembly

Business

Camp—Day / Labor / Overnight

29

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Office of the Fire Marshal Calls for Service

MAIN CALL TYPE

SUB CALL TYPE

2022 INCIDENTS

Inspection—Initial Inspection—Initial Inspection—Initial Inspection—Initial Inspection—Initial Inspection—Initial Inspection—Initial Inspection—Initial Inspection—Initial Inspection—Initial Inspection—Initial Inspection—Initial Inspection—Initial Inspection—Initial Inspection—Initial Inspection—Initial Inspection—Initial Inspection—Initial Inspection—Initial

Church—Religious Facility

17 73

Daycare Commercial

Daycare in Home

195

Detention and Correctional

2 4 7

Dwelling—One & Two Family

Education Private School Education Public School

120

Education University / College

5

Fireworks Display

52 38 10 10

Foster Care / Adoption

Group Home—Medical /Treatment / Rehab

Healthcare

Hotel / Dormitories

2 0 0 7

Liquor Board / Establishment Liquor Board / Special Event

Medical Facility—Doctor / Treatment Mobile Food—Truck / Trailer / Unit Nursing Home / Assisted Living facility

40 10

Not Specified

4 4

Inspection—Reinspect Inspection—Reinspect Inspection—Reinspect Inspection—Reinspect Inspection—Reinspect Inspection—Reinspect Inspection—Reinspect Inspection—Reinspect Inspection—Reinspect Inspection—Reinspect Inspection—Reinspect Inspection—Reinspect Inspection—Reinspect Inspection—Reinspect Inspection—Reinspect Inspection—Reinspect Inspection—Reinspect Inspection—Reinspect Inspection—Reinspect Inspection—Reinspect

Apartment Building / Condo

Assembly

12

Business

4 1 4 9 8 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 5 2 2 1

Camp—Day / Labor / Overnight

Church—Religious Facility

Daycare Commercial

Daycare in Home

Detention and Correction Education Private School

Education University / College

Foster Care / Adoption

Group Home— Medical / Treatment / Rehab

Healthcare

Hotel / Dormitories

Liquor Board / Establishment

Mercantile

Mobile Food—Truck / Trailer / Unit

Nursing Home / Assisted Living

Special Event Public

Storage Facility