2023 ANNUAL REPORT-FINAL

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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