2023 ANNUAL REPORT-FINAL

ANNUAL REPORT 2023 FREDERICK COUNTY DIVISION OF FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES

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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 2024 FISCAL SUMMARY PLAN

10

PERSONNEL SERVICES

12

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

14

OFFICE OF THE FIRE MARSHAL

23

EMERGENCY SERVICES

28

CALLS FOR SERVICE

29

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

44

SPECIAL OPERATIONS

47

TRAINING OFFICE

54

SAFETY OFFICE

66

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROGRAM

69

VOLUNTEER FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES

72

RETIREMENT NEWS

81

PUBLIC SAFETY AWARDS

82

EMS EXCELLENCE / UNIT CITATIONS

83

Cover photo credit: Trevor James

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COUNTY EXECUTIVE JESSICA FITZWATER

The men and women of the Frederick County Division of Fire & 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. This year, I was pleased to sign a new two-year agreement with International Association of Fire Fighters Local 3666 in recognition of our firefighters’ life -saving work.

Jessica Fitzwater

County Executive

During 2023, we took steps to improve service to the community. Response times were reduced by strategically deploying Advanced Life Support units. Three recruit classes, Classes 33, 34 and 35, graduated in 2023, as did members of Paramedic Class 9. We secured a new federal SAFER grant totaling $9.7 million, which will allow us to hire 32 additional firefighters. The goal is to increase the size of crews on engine and ladder trucks, a key recommendation following the line-of-duty death of Battalion Chief Joshua Laird in 2021. We continue to update policies and trainings in response to the Laird After Action Report. Frederick County remains committed to reducing the risk of future tragic events. 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 2023. 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 2023, our volunteer and career personnel answered 38,464 calls for emergency service, an average of 105 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, 2023 was a very active year for our Fire/Rescue system. Our Fire/Rescue Service Stakeholders came together to jointly update the Frederick

County Fire/Rescue Service Delivery Plan. This document will guide our system’s facilities, apparatus, and staffing priorities through calendar year 2028. Additionally, a workgroup of Emergency Medical Service professionals worked to publish our organization ’ s ALS Deployment Plan which outlines a five-phase plan to grow our County’s ability to respon d to critical medical emergencies over the next three years. In line with both the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Service Delivery Plan and the ALS Deployment Plan, Frederick County recognized several service improvements in 2023. In September, the Division of Fire and Rescue Services was able to complete phase 1 of our 4-Person Staffing Plan by adding a firefighter at the Fire Engines at the Junior, Brunswick, Myersville, Guardian, Libertytown and Westview Fire Stations as well as the Ladder Truck at the Citizens Truck Company. With the addition of the additional firefighter, we were able to upgrade the fire engines at Juniors and Westview to become Paramedic-Engine Companies that now have the equipment and personnel to provide advanced life support care. Also, in 2023 we were able to house and begin to staff an ALS Chase Car at the Citizens Truck Company to be known as Medic 4. The additions of Medic 4 and Paramedic Engines 23 and 311 have allowed Frederick County to drastically reduce the time it takes to get a paramedic to the scene of a critical medical emergency. 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 $9.7 million dollar grant will pay 100% of the salary and benefits for 32 firefighters for three years. The 32 firefighters represent the second step of a multi-step plan to implement 4-person minimum staffing on fire engines, rescue squads and aerial apparatus. 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 580 uniformed personnel, 21 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.

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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 2024 Fiscal Plan Summary

Approved

Actual

Actual

Actual

Budget

Description

FY21

FY22

FY23

FY24

Revenues:

$

3,800,084

$ 4,355,453

$

5,126,116 $

3,900,000

Expenditures Office of the Director Administrative Services

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

662,607 $

713,817 $

839,890

$

1,047,119 2,019,154 4,111,931 85,506,026

1,375,755 1,144,955

$ 1,433,448 $ 2,121,845

$ $

1,429,430 $ 2,327,861 $ 70,453,526 $

Training Office

Emergency Services

51,903,815 $ 67,186,976 $

Ambulance Billing Office Fire Marshal's Office

515,438 $ 694,426 $ 76,030 $

528,249 $ 768,593 $ 57,768 $

621,571 784,090

$ $

657,000 858,620 70,397

Specialty Teams

80,571 $

Volunteer Fire Rescue Services

2,897,245 1,017,867 4,052,544

$ 3,333,649

$

3,781,959 $

4,378,228

Misc. Volunteer Fire Rescue Companies

$

944,320 $

746,423

$

944,174

Volunteer Fire Companies

$ 4,404,587

$

4,939,071 $

6,101,690

Senator Amoss Funds

599,922 $

593,199 $

607,826

$

610,000

Total Expenditures

$

64,940,605 $ 82,086,451 $

86,612,219 $

106,304,339

Number of Positions Office of the Director Administrative Services

4 7 6 3 4 0 4 0 0 0

4 7 8 3 4 0 4 0 0 0

5 8 9 3 4 0 4 0 0 0

6 8

Training Office

10

Emergency Services

488

499

526

565

Ambulance Billing Office Fire Marshal's Office

3 4 0 5 0 0 0

Specialty Teams

Volunteer Fire Rescue Services

Misc. Volunteer Fire Rescue Companies

Volunteer Fire Companies

Senator Amoss Funds

Total Number of Personnel

516

529

559

601

11

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

FY 2024 FISCAL PLAN

Office of the Director

Approved

Actual

Actual

Actual

Budget

Description

FY21

FY22

FY23

FY24

Number of Personnel

4

4

5

6

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

$ $ $

3,213

$ $ $

- - -

$

812

0 0

-

3,213

$

812

$

-

Expenditures: Salary & Wages

$ 364,928

$394,570

$ 492,473

$ 580,221

Overtime

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

2,588

$

-

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

1,276

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

-

Health Insurance

68,381 10,272

$ 73,291 $ 10,272

75,602

85,550 22,392

OPEB

8,400

Dental Insurance

169

$

181

151

120

Social Security/Medicare

24,998 52,430

$ 27,049 $ 59,757

34,461 68,500

42,012

Retirement

$ 119,194

Unemployment Cont.

204

$

251

255

306

Worker's Comp. Life Insurance

3,865 1,174

$ 3,985 $ 1,285 $570,641

5,769 1,618

4,860 2,017

Total Salary & Fringes

$ 529,008

$ 688,506

$ 856,672

Operating Costs: Equipment Maint./Repairs

- -

$ $

201

50

100

Fleet Charges

-

829

-

Telephone Base/Activity Wireless Communications

1,819 2,706 2,626 6,607 2,546 2,190 9,854

$ 1,857 $ 3,315

1,850 3,479

4,093 4,110 1,200

Advertising

$ $

750

-

Travel/Training Staff Mileage

-

63

423

-

$ 4,242 $ 1,085

6,346

12,528

Postage

675 524

8,023 1,000

Dues/Subscriptions

$

684

Printing

$ 11,775

12,212

27,588

Safety Supplies

$ $ $ $

4

- - - -

- - -

Computer H/W and S/W

-

- -

Misc. Supplies

84

Non Capital Equipment

127

80

7,685

Fleet Fuel

-

$ 1,382 $ 27,739 $ 90,000 $143,176

695

-

Office Supplies

15,040 90,000

34,300 90,000

34,120 90,000

Misc Fire/Rescue Approp. Total Operating Expenses

$ 133,599

$ 151,384

$ 190,447

Total Budget

$ 662,607

$713,817

$ 839,890

$ 1,047,119

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OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

Personnel Services

Uniformed New Hire Recruitment

The Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) began 2023 with the hiring of Recruit Class 33 and Recruit Class 34 on January 30, 2023. Those two recruit classes graduated 47 Firefighter/EMT’s on August 11, 2023. During that timeframe DFRS began Recruit Class 35 on April 24, 2023. That recruit class graduated 28 Firefighter/EMT’s on November 3, 2023. Overall, 2023 consisted of graduating three recruit classes, yielding 75 new Firefighter/EMT’s for Frederick County. In the spring of 2023, we began our next recruitment campaign for our future recruit classes. The recruitment team traveled to over 35 recruitment events including every high school in Frederick County. The application process began on May 1, 2023, and concluded on June 30, 2023, with 542 applications. The written test was administered in July with 229 candidates moving forward to the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) in August and September of 2023. Interviews were conducted on 120 candidates and conditional offers were extended to 103 of those candidates in September 2023. As the year wrapped up those 103 candidates were completing various sections of their background process: physical evaluation, psychological evaluation, background check, and fingerprinting so that final selections could be made for Recruit Class 36 and Recruit Class 37 in the beginning of 2024. Throughout 2023, the division encountered 36 separations from employment of its current personnel. Thirteen were from recruit resignations, medical separations, and terminations related to academics. 17 were resignations, and 6 were eligible retirements. During 2023, the Technician and Lieutenant eligibility lists were exhausted prior to their expiration date. A promotional process was conducted for both ranks and produced 18 Lieutenants effective September 1, 2023, and 19 Technicians effective August 2023. Of those newly established lists, 4 Technicians and 7 Lieutenants were promoted in 2023. The Captain eligibility list, established in 2022, yielded 2 promotions in 2023 and has 3 candidates remaining. The Battalion Chief eligibility list, established in December of 2021, is currently expired and a new process is in development for February 2024. In 2023 Frederick County was awarded a $9.7 million the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant which funded the hiring of 32 additional Firefighter/EMT’s in Frederick County. The County Executive and County Council approved the hire of 5 new Paramedic positions and 1 Lieutenant of EMS Training. Uniformed Promotions (Competitive and Non-Competitive)

13

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

Personnel Services (continued)

Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue was also awarded 1 Medic position from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant in 2023.

2023 saw 27 competitive promotions made: • Battalion Chief to Assistant Chief………………..1 • Captain to Battalion Chief……………………......1 • Captain Medic to Battalion Chief Medic…………1 • Lieutenant to Captain……………………………..3 • Lieutenant Medic to Captain Medic……………....1 • Technician to Lieutenant…………………….……8 • Firefighter III to Lieutenant……………………….2 • Fire Medic III to Lieutenant Medic……….………3 • Firefighter III to Technician………………….…...7 • Fire Medic III to Technician Medic………………1 130 Non-Competitive Upgrades were made: • Firefighter Recruit to Firefighter I……………..…73 • Firefighter I to Firefighter II……………………...16 • Firefighter II to Firefighter III……………………36 • Fire Medic II to Fire Medic III…………………….5

Non-Uniformed New Hire Recruitment and Promotions

Trayer Stoops, Logistics Manager, was hired in January 2023 Calli Guercio, Community Outreach Coordinator, was hired in September 2023 Nathan Michael, Data Planner, was hired in December 2023

Grievances and Appeals

Nine grievances/appeals for 9 personnel were addressed in 2023.

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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 Service Section also provides oversight to the Fire Marshal’s Office. Additionally, the Administrative Services Section provides the 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 volunteer fire and rescue corporations and eleven committees and specialty teams. Responsibilities also include procurement and contract management. The total FY23 budget for the Division of Fire Rescue Services is $106,304,339 and employs 601 full time employees. The Administrative Services Section also provides oversight for the Capital Improvement Projects for the Division of Fire Rescue, which is budgeted at $57 million over the next six years. These projects include the construction of new fire stations, fire apparatus replacement, emergency generator replacement, 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 Specialists 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 Investigators

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ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Logistics

The Logistics office provides support to the Division of Fire 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 long and short-term emergency incident support with equipment and supplies. An inventory of supplies, hoses and equipment is maintained and issued as needed. Logistics is responsible for issuing and ordering personal protective equipment (PPE) to the county’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 invento ry maintained to support the needs of the County’s uniformed employees. Logistics has also taken over the inventory management of COVID Supplies and PPE for the County in coordination with Emergency Management and the Health Department. The Ambulance Transport Insurance Billing Program generates approximately $7 million in revenue on an annual basis, with approximately $1.9 million distributed to the transporting fire/rescue companies. This program reviews over fifty 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 $350,000 and distributes to the first due fire/rescue Company which the subscriber lives in. This HIPAA Compliance Officer is a separate function within the County’s Office of Risk Management but works very closely with the Ambulance Transport Billing Program and on behalf of the Division of Fire Rescue and its 25 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. Ambulance Transport Insurance Billing Additionally, this program: o

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 County’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. Their responsibilities also 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

• DFRS received a grant from the State of Maryland in the amount of $1.5 million for construction of a training/apparatus garage & storage building and renovations of the PSTF Annex locker rooms to better accommodate recruit training. This building is currently under design and expect bids for construction to be issued in spring 2024.

• Issued a contract with Pierce Manufacturing, for the purchase of a new tractor drawn aerial to replace Truck 4, and a rescue engine to replace E-82 at the Myersville Fire Station. Expect completion in 2027.

• Took delivery of 3 new pumpers to be assigned as E-102, PE-23 and PE-311. Also took delivery of Tanker 10.

• Issued a contract with FESCO for the purchase of two new ambulances to be assigned to the Myersville and Brunswick Fire Stations. Three additional ambulances were ordered using ESPP Funding.

• Order was placed and chassis was received from Ford for a replacement and upgrade of the Hazardous Materials Support Unit. Contract issued to Mark’s Equipment for the transfer of the box over to the new chassis.

• Contract issued for a new tandem axle box truck for collapse support for our Technical Rescue Team. Box has been built and chassis scheduled for construction February 2024.

• Contract issued with Fidelity Power for the installation of new emergency generators at the Brunswick Ambulance Company, United, Junior and Myersville Fire Stations.

• Design for the replacement of the Green Valley Fire Station is about 90% complete. Issue has developed in regard to 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 winter/spring of 2024. The design of the fire station has restarted. Its anticipated bids for construction of the fire station will be ready summer 2024.

• The EMS Billing Program generated $7 million in revenue, of which $1.9 million 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 the 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.

18

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

•

Accomplishments (continued)

• 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 3 rd year of a 3-year program.

• Contract was awarded for the purchase of a new Air Cascade Unit and Advanced Technical Rescue Vehicle.

• 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 2024.

19

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

FY 2024 FISCAL PLAN

Approved

Actual

Actual

Actual

Budget

Description

FY21

FY22

FY23

FY24

Number of Personnel

7

7

8

8

Expenditures: Salary & Wages

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

467,697

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

526,021 12,615 91,914 17,976

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

576,536 12,296 91,466 13,440

$ 624,222

Overtime

5,792

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

-

Health Insurance

78,921 17,976

97,774 29,856

OPEB

Dental Insurance

282

362

362

360

Social Security/Medicare

34,737 61,010

39,643 71,381

43,555 72,980

47,170

Retirement

$ 121,112

Unemployment Cont.

426

429

508

408

Worker's Comp. Life Insurance

7,883 1,457

8,471 1,686

9,038 1,791

8,351 2,170

Total Salary & Fringes

676,183

770,498

821,973

$ 931,423

Operating Costs: Medical (Physicals)

- -

- -

-

$ $

1,800

Computer License & Maintenance

11,919 105,664

71,000

Equipment Maint./Repairs

172,333

99,436

$ 198,571

Fleet Charges

-

19

-

$ $

-

Telephone Base/Activity Wireless Communications

10,771 177,936

10,773 173,118

11,644 184,045

14,676

$ 179,016

Landfill Tipping Fees Contracted Services Dues/Subscriptions Equipment Rental Custodial Supplies

-

-

288

$

-

125,214

172,035

141,133

$ 393,593

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

1,635 4,118 1,753

357

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

1,375 4,550

1,649

- - -

-

Small Tools

658

1,907 3,000 6,000

Uniforms/Safety Shoes

-

-

Hand-light & Nozzle Repair Supplies

1,762

45

2,011

Nonexpendable Supplies

- -

- -

- -

- -

CO 25 Supplies SCBA Supplies

79,247

68,944

61,250

71,000 15,000 21,441 40,000

Medical/Surgical Supplies Breathing Air Supplies Emrg HAZMAT Supplies

7,334 9,773

-

-

16,789 16,633

3,794

40,053

23,643 10,919 44,566

Misc. Supplies

8,287

5,622

9,782

Computer S/W and H/W Non Capital Equipment

28,023 56,081

23,229 68,144

55,020

4,574

- - - - -

Fleet Fuel

-

- - - -

- - - -

Event Expense

259

Capital Equipment-NonBuilding

-

Misc. Recovery

(28,713) 699,573

Total Operating Expenses

662,951

607,457

$ 1,087,731

Total Budget

$ 1,375,755

$ 1,433,448

$ 1,429,430

$ 2,019,154

20

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

FY 2024 FISCAL PLAN

Ambulance Billing Office

Approved

Actual

Actual

Actual

Budget

Description

FY21

FY22

FY23

FY24

Number of Personnel

3

3

3

3

Revenues: Federal Grants - Direct

$ $

-

$

-

$ $

-

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

-

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

5,419,723

$ 6,225,473 $ (1,868,790)

6,950,158

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

$ (1,639,550)

$ (1,877,914)

$ $ $

357,596

$

360,849

$ $ $

354,147

(343,242) 3,794,526

$ (357,930) $ 4,359,603

(308,437) 5,117,954

Expenditures: Salary & Wages

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

130,630

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

137,426

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

147,713

158,920

Overtime

-

-

-

-

Health Insurance

29,938

32,467

33,265

34,132 11,196

OPEB

7,704

7,704

5,040

Dental Insurance

167

181

181

180

Social Security/Medicare

9,475

9,915

10,686 17,135

12,158 23,839

Retirement

14,900

15,941

Unemployment Cont.

153 157 425

144 163 455

153 133 489

153 126 552

Worker's Comp. Life Insurance

Total Salary & Fringes

193,549

204,396

214,795

241,256

Operating Costs: Banking/Investment Telephone Base/Activity

35,027

21,036

21,485

31,192

1,791

1,757

1,761

3,140

Advertising

-

-

67

400

Travel/Training

2,495

2,219

6,271

10,000

Mileage

-

-

84

-

Contracted Services

239,229 39,496

250,613 41,652

330,842 44,688

309,400

Postage

48,500

Dues/Subscriptions

-

-

-

400

Printing

663

756

598 980

2,712 5,000 5,000

Computer S/W and H/W Non Capital Equipment

3,188

1,172 4,648

- -

- -

Office Supplies

-

-

Total Operating Expenses

321,889

323,853

406,776

415,744

Total Budget

$

515,438

$

528,249

$

621,571

$

657,000

21

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Pumpers: E-102, Paramedic Engines 23 and 311

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

Tanker 10

Ambulance 339 assigned to the Spring Ridge Fire Station Command Unit – Under Construction as of January 2022

22

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

New Truck 5 – 107’ Rear Mount Ladder Truck

Architects rendering of the Green Valley Fire Station #25

Engine 291 for Northgate Fire Station

Rendering of Green Valley Fire Station #25

23

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.

24

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 from the Frederick County Fire Mars hal’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 2023 there were 2 reported structure fire related fatalities.

25

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

FY 2024 FISCAL PLAN

Office of the Fire Marshal

Approved

Actual

Actual

Actual

Budget

Description

FY21

FY22

FY23

FY24

Number of Personnel

4

4

4

4

Expenditures: Salary & Wages

$ 374,265 $ 400,636 $ 426,066 $ 490,810

Overtime

$ 98,636 $ 101,630 $ 87,788 $

17,676 93,467 14,928

Health Insurance

$ 55,152 $ 70,512 $ 10,272 $ 10,272

$ 87,747 $

OPEB

$

6,720

$

Dental Insurance

$

155

$

167 $

181 $

120

Social Security/Medicare

$ 32,434 $ 34,639 $ 66,312 $ 79,201

$ 35,459 $

38,899

Retirement

$ 72,746 $ 145,069

Unemployment Cont.

$

205

$

162 $

195 $

204

Worker's Comp. Life Insurance

$ 36,888 $ 40,819

$ 40,438 $

20,843

$ 1,206 $

1,319

$

1,346

$

1,617

Total Salary & Fringes

$ 675,526 $ 739,356 $ 758,688 $ 823,633

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

$ 2,469 $ $ 5,426 $ $ 2,045 $ $ 3,768 $

2,530 9,887 3,665 3,881 1,739 7,535

$ $ $ $ $ $

2,697 7,071 5,434 1,222 3,055 5,923

$ $ $ $ $ $

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

$

440

$

$ 4,752 $

$ 18,900 $ 29,237

$ 25,402 $

34,987

Total Budget

$ 694,426 $ 768,593 $ 784,090 $ 858,620

26

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Office of the Fire Marshal

Costliest Fires of 2023

Date

Address

Zip Code

Cause

Total Loss

200 East 2 nd Street

4/1/2023

21701

Accidental

$ 4,200,000.00

5/8/2023

539 Boyles St

21702

Unclassified

$ 3,000,000.00

5/15/2023

610 East H Street

21716

Unclassified

$ 1,500,000.00

2/18/2023

2645 Monocacy Ford Road

21701

Accidental

$ 750,000.00

6/5/2023

6803 Michaels Mill Rd.

21703

Accidental

$ 700,000.00

12/10/2023

8015 Chestnut Grove Rd

21701

Accidental

$ 500,000.00

4/8/2023

3508 Basford Road

21703

Accidental

$ 450,000.00

11/24/2023

2203 Waller House Court

21702

Incendiary

$ 300,000.00

6/14/2023

1719 Brookshire Run

21777

Incendiary

$ 300,000.00

6/19/2023

109 Crossing Pointe Court

21702

Undetermined

$ 300,000.00

9/19/2023

11433 Haughs Church Road

21757

Undetermined

$ 250,000.00

TOTAL

$12,250,000.00

27

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Office of the Fire Marshal

Calls for Service

MAIN CALL TYPE

SUB CALL TYPE

2023 Incidents

Administrative

Meeting/Project/Consult/Other

143

Training

Continuing Education/Recertification/Other

27

Assist

Other Agencies

13

Follow Up

Inspections & Investigations

42

Inspections

Initial

1231

Investigation

Complaints

100

Investigation

Fire

136

Investigation

Assist

87

Knox Box

Service & Repair

819

Special Event

Standby

8

Fire Alarm System

OOS Notification & Follow Up

227

TOTAL

2833

28

EMERGENCY SERVICES

The largest section within the Division of Fire and Rescue Services is the Emergency Services Section (ESS). The ESS is made up of:

1 Deputy Chief 1 Assistant Chief 14 Battalion Chiefs 30 Captains

72 Lieutenants 67 Technicians 326 Firefighters 48 Paramedic/Firefighters

The Emergency Services Section is responsible for day-to-day service delivery to the residents, visitors, and employees of Frederick County. The ESS delivers all-hazard emergency response including but not limited to emergency medical services (EMS), fire suppression, victim rescue, and hazardous materials. Additionally, the ESS is responsible for professional development and training, community outreach, and overseeing the safety, health, and wellness of the Division’s personnel. Everyone in the ESS is committed to providing 100% customer satisfaction in all that they do. Personnel assigned to the ESS spend countless hours maintaining an exceptional state of readiness so that they can respond to customer requests for assistance, ‘YOUR EMERGENCY’, without fail. To assist in accomplishing the divisions goals, the dedicated personnel within the ESS spend many hours each day mapping emergency routes; studying and practicing fire, rescue and EMS skills, strategies, and tactics; maintaining fire stations; and ensuring the operational readiness and functionality of our emergency apparatus and equipment. All of these items occur daily in addition to, training their minds and bodies for the physical and mental demands required of a public safety responder. Our responders regularly complete additional formal training beyond what is provided to them in the recruit training academy. This training ranges from online webinars and practical workshops, to formalized college degree programs. As they seek to promote up the ranks from Firefighter to Chief Officer, many hours of additional advanced-level training are required. Those aspiring to become Paramedics must complete a year long advanced medical program that encompasses more than 1500 hours of cognitive and psychomotor training elements. Those wishing to become members of our Special Operations Teams must complete specialized and highly technical training to become certified in the disciplines required of those team members. We also have members who want to help their fellow firefighters in their time of need, the job of a firefighter can be extremely stressful which can lead to Post-Traumatic Stress, so we have members who complete specialized training in the area of Critical Incident Stress Management/PEER Support to provide help to those in need. Last, but not least, all of the ESS employees must maintain their certifications in EMT, Paramedic, CPR, AED, and those in specialty positions must also maintain their specialty certifications. In addition to maintaining those certifications, they must also train in the station daily to remain proficient in their everyday fire, rescue, and EMS skills.