2024 ANNUAL REPORT - Final

ANNUAL REPORT 2024

FREDERICK COUNTY DIVISION OF FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

COUNTY EXECUTIVE JESSICA FITZWATER

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MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

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FREDERICK COUNTY FIRE/EMS STATIONS MAP

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FIRE AND RESCUE STATION LOCATIONS

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OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

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ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

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FY 2025 FISCAL SUMMARY PLAN

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ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATION

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ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

16

OFFICE OF THE FIRE MARSHAL

26

EMERGENCY SERVICES

32

CALLS FOR SERVICE

33

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

51

SPECIAL OPERATIONS

54

TRAINING OFFICE

61

SAFETY OFFICE

73

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROGRAM

77

VOLUNTEER FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES

81

RETIREMENT NEWS

92

PUBLIC SAFETY AWARDS

93

UNIT CITATION / EMS EXCELLENCE

94

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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 here. During 2024, we made big strides toward faster, safer responses. In a field where every second counts, we reduced the time it takes a paramedic to reach a patient’s side by a full minute through the implementation of Phase 3 of our Advanced Life Support Deployment Plan. We also increased safety for our staff by adding a fourth person to the crews of seven additional fire engines stationed across the County. Work began at sites for new Green Valley and Carroll Manor stations.

Jessica Fitzwater

County Executive

Our Mobile Community Health program leads the way in Maryland. The program’s Community Outreach and Support Team became the first EMS agency in the State to be able to administer Buprenorphine in the field. Working in partnership with the Frederick County Health Department, we have placed life-saving harm reduction vending machines in our communities. As a result, the number of fatal overdoses in Frederick County dropped to 19 in 2024, a drop of nearly 50% from the previous year. We graduated two new recruit classes of firefighters and a paramedic class this year. To keep all 1,100 career and volunteer personnel safer in traffic, we secured a $392,000 grant for training and equipment through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’ s Assistance to Firefighters Program. This training is to protect those who protect us every day.

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

Jessica Fitzwater County Executive

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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 2024. 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 2024, our volunteer and career personnel answered 40,049 calls for emergency service, an average of 110 emergency responses per day, a 5% increase from 2023. 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, 2024 was a very active year for our Fire/Rescue system. In line with both the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Service Delivery Plan and the ALS Deployment Plan, Frederick County recognized several service improvements in 2024. In September, the Division of Fire and Rescue Services was able to complete Phase 2 of our 4-Person Staffing Plan by adding a firefighter to the Fire Engines at the Carroll Manor, Point of Rocks, Northgate, Spring Ridge, Middletown, Woodsboro, and Green Valley Fire Stations. Also, in 2024 we were able to move the ALS Chase Car at the Citizens Truck Company to 24/7 staffing and upgrade the fire engine at the Guardian Hose Company (Thurmont) to become a Paramedic-Engine that now has the equipment and personnel to provide advanced life support care. The additions of Paramedic-Engine 102 and Medic 4 have allowed Frederick County to continue to drastically reduce the time it takes to get a paramedic to the scene of a critical medical emergency. The Division of Fire and Rescue Services also made great strides in the health and wellness of our firefighters by providing two new types of cancer testing to our responders. Cancer in the fire service continues to be a rapidly growing threat to our personnel, but through improved testing, early treatment, and improvements in personal protective equipment, we are working to ensure our responders continue to be healthy. 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

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FREDERICK COUNTY FIRE/EMS STATIONS

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

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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

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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

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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

19

Brunswick Ambulance Co.

200 West Potomac Street, Brunswick, MD 21716

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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

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Urbana Volunteer Fire/Rescue Co.

3602 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD 21704

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Walkersville Volunteer Rescue Co.

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

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Green Valley Station

3939 Green Valley Road, Monrovia, MD 21770

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Public Safety Training Facility

5370 Public Safety Place, Frederick, MD 21704

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Point of Rocks Station

1809 Ballenger Creek Pike, Point of Rocks, MD 21777

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Northgate Fire Station

37 Thomas Johnson Drive, Frederick, MD 21702

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Thurmont Comm. Ambulance Station

27 North Church Street, Thurmont, MD 21788

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United/Westview Fire Station

5525 New Design Road, Frederick, MD 21703

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Spring Ridge Fire Station

6061 Spring Ridge Parkway, Frederick, MD 21701

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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 624 uniformed personnel, 21 civilian personnel and partners with hundreds of volunteer responders to serve the nearly 300,000 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 24 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

Data Planner Nathan Michael

Personnel Services

Public Information Officer

Behavioral Health Coordinator Natalie Bowers

Community Outreach Coordinator

Deputy Chief Kenny Poole Emergency Services

Deputy Chief M. Shane Darwick Volunteer Services

Deputy Chief Steve Leatherman Administrative Services

Field Operations

Volunteer Coordination

Finance

Emergency Medical Services

Volunteer Recruitment & Retention

Logistics, Fleet & Facilities

Training

Fire Marshal

Special Operations

Ambulance Billing

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OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

FY 2025 Fiscal Plan Summary

Approved

Actual

Actual

Actual

Budget

Description

FY22

FY23

FY24

FY25

Revenues:

$

4,355,453

$ 5,126,116

$

5,868,778

$

4,733,700

Expenditures Office of the Director

$

713,817

$

839,890

$

986,546

$

1,033,114

Administrative Services

$

1,433,448

$ 1,429,430

$

1,987,612

$

2,255,408

Training Office

$

2,121,845

$ 2,327,861

$

2,847,483

$

3,903,915

Emergency Services

$

67,186,976

$ 70,453,526

$

88,163,584

$

93,355,705

Ambulance Billing Office

$

528,249

$

621,571

$

666,271

$

714,718

Fire Marshal's Office

$

768,593

$

784,090

$

840,796

$

1,224,399

Specialty Teams

$

57,768

$

80,571

$

77,002

$

65,598

Volunteer Fire Rescue Services

$

3,333,649

$ 3,781,959

$

4,204,643

$

4,814,885

Misc. Volunteer Fire Rescue Companies

$

944,320

$

746,423

$

623,166

$

921,839

Volunteer Fire Companies

$

4,404,587

$ 4,939,071

$

5,050,643

$

5,958,143

Senator Amoss Funds

$

593,199

$

607,826

$

607,216

$

614,313

Total Expenditures

$

82,086,451

$ 86,612,219

$ 106,054,961

$

114,862,037

Number of Positions Office of the Director

4

5

6

6

Administrative Services

7

8

8

8

Training Office

8

9

10

10

Emergency Services

499

526

565

607

Ambulance Billing Office

3

3

3

3

Fire Marshal's Office

4

4

4

6

Specialty Teams

0

0

0

0

Volunteer Fire Rescue Services

4

4

5

5

Misc. Volunteer Fire Rescue Companies

0

0

0

0

Volunteer Fire Companies

0

0

0

0

Senator Amoss Funds

0

0

0

0

Total Number of Personnel

529

559

601

645

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OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

FY 2025 FISCAL PLAN

Office of the Director

Approved

Actual

Actual

Actual

Budget

Description

FY22

FY23

FY24

FY25

Number of Personnel

4

5

6

6

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

$ $ $

- - -

$ $ $

811.70

$ $ $

- -

-

812

-

$

-

Expenditures: Salary & Wages

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

394,570

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

492,473

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

578,772

$ 648,427

Overtime

-

1,276

-

$

-

Health Insurance

73,291 10,272

75,602

89,113 22,392

$ 102,785

OPEB

8,400

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

2,808

Dental Insurance

181

151

199

240

Social Security/Medicare

27,049 59,757

34,461 68,500

40,446 118,897

47,135

Retirement

$ 132,107

Unemployment Cont.

251

255

179

189

Worker's Comp. Life Insurance

3,985 1,285

5,769 1,618

4,769 1,910

4,605

852

Total Salary & Fringes

570,641

688,506

856,676

$ 939,148

Operating Costs: Equipment Maint./Repairs

201

50

- -

100

Fleet Charges

-

829

-

Telephone Base/Activity Wireless Communications

1,857 3,315

1,850 3,479

2,306 3,572 2,748 1,137 3,801 1,311

2,592 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

938

Printing

11,775

12,212

10,090

27,588

Safety Supplies

4

- - - -

- -

- - -

Computer H/W and S/W

- -

Misc. Supplies

149

Non Capital Equipment

80

1,200

2,705

Fleet Fuel

1,382

695

-

-

Office Supplies

27,739 90,000 143,176

34,300 90,000 151,384

28,335 74,284 129,871

34,120

Misc Fire/Rescue Approp. Total Operating Expenses

-

93,966

Total

$

713,817

$

839,890

$

986,546

$ 1,033,114

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OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

Administration and Communication

Uniformed New Hire Recruitment

The Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) began 2024 with the hiring of Recruit Class 36 and Recruit Class 37 on February 12, 2024. Those two recruit classes graduated 40 Firefighter/EMT’s on August 23, 2024. As RC36 and RC37 progressed through the 28-week academy the Division began their next recruitment campaign in Spring 2024.

This year, the Administration and Communication Section focused on strengthening the recruitment pipeline for uniformed positions, ensuring that the department remains adequately staffed with highly qualified individuals. The recruitment campaign involved targeted outreach to local job fairs, high schools, colleges, and paramedic programs, as well as developing partnerships with military transition programs, and branching out to other states and regions. In addition, the department increased its use of social media platforms to reach a wider, more diverse pool of candidates. DFRS recruitment teams traveled to over 45 different venues located in MD, VA, PA, WV, and NC. The application process began on May 1, 2024, and concluded on June 30, 2024, with 687 applications. All applicants who met the minimum eligibility requirements were invited to take the written multiple-choice examination to test deductive reasoning, numeric facility, information ordering, inductive

reasoning, mathematical reasoning, problem sensitivity, verbal comprehension, and verbal expression. Those candidates (278) who scored 70% or above were then invited to participate in our Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) mentorship program. This program is delivered over the course of 8 weeks to assist in preparing candidates, mentally and physically, to pass the CPAT. Those applicants who were successful (166), were then invited to interview with a panel of Frederick County Firefighters and based on scoring, were then extended a conditional offer of employment. Once they accepted the conditional offer they proceeded with an extensive background check, physical examination, psychological evaluation and fingerprinting. Final offers were sent out to 56 candidates for Recruit Class 38 and Recruit Class 39 in December 2024. They will begin their academy on January 13, 2025. Throughout 2024, the division encountered 37 separations from employment of its current personnel. Seventeen were from recruit resignations, medical separations, and terminations related to academics; 10 were resignations, and 10 were eligible retirements.

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OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

Administration and Communication (continued)

Uniformed Promotions (Competitive and Non-Competitive)

During 2024, both the Battalion Chief and the Captain eligibility lists expired, and a new promotional process was conducted for each rank. The Captain process yielded 12 Captain candidates effective August 1, 2024, and 8 Battalion Chief candidates effective March 6, 2024. Six promotions were made from the 2023 Technician eligibility list. The division is currently in the beginning stages of developing the promotional processes for the ranks of Lieutenant and Technician for the Summer of 2025. In 2024, the County Executive and County Council approved the hire of 1 Captain, 1 Technician, and 4 Firefighter positions to staff the Wolfsville Fire Station. The FY25 budget also included 1 Captain for the EMS office, and 2 Lieutenants for the Fire Marshal ’ s Office.

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 2024.

2024 saw 148 Non-Competitive Upgrades made: •

Firefighter Recruit to Firefighter I…………… 40 Firefighter I to Firefighter II………………….55 Firefighter II to Firefighter III……………….. .45 Fire Medic II to Fire Medic III……………… ...8

• • •

Grievance and Appeals

Twelve grievances/appeals for 9 personnel were addressed in 2024.

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OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

Administration and Communication (continued)

Community Outreach and Public Education

The Frederick County Division of Fire & Rescue Services (DFRS) remained focused on enhancing our community outreach and public education initiatives in 2024. Throughout the year, DFRS personnel attended 429 public appearances; 200 of these appearances were public education sessions, which primarily took place at schools, childcare facilities, summer camps, senior centers, and public libraries. Following public education sessions, community events (99), career presentations & job fairs (53), and station tour s (38) were the Division’s most requested appearances. October, National Fire Prevention Month, was the peak month for appearances, with 95 total; followed by April (52), May (52), and September (40).

The Community Outreach section continued to finalize the process for submitting Community Appearance Request Forms and added in feedback surveys to gather insight on how to improve our programs and better understand the impact of our appearances. The results from the surveys show that respondents rated their overall experience with the public education sessions as a 4.98 out of 5. One hundred percent of respondents reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the content, structure, and organization of the presentation, as well as the knowledge and friendliness of the personnel. All respondents also indicated they were very likely to request another session in the future and would recommend the program to others.

With the development of our Strategic Community Partner Liaison (SCPL) team in 2023, DFRS has enhanced its relationships with many community organizations by regularly attending their evens and programs. Through this initiative, a designated uniformed DFRS member serves as a direct liaison to a specific community group, so we are better able to understand and address their specific fire and life safety needs. Most notably, we have expanded our partnerships with:

• • •

City Youth Matrix,

Centro Hispano de Frederick, and The Frederick Rescue Mission

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OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

Administration and Communication (continued)

In February, DFRS took part in Frederick County Government's Heart Health Campaign, where we had the opportunity to produce two important public service announcements: How to Prepare for a Medical Emergency and CPR Preparedness . These PSAs are available in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language (ASL). During filming, we collaborated with staff from the Maryland School for the Deaf, whose support and skillset was crucial in ensuring we could provide this vital emergency information to Frederick’s Deaf community. As part of the campaign, DFRS also hosted five hands-only CPR and Stop the Bleed classes at various recreation centers across the County. The success of these classes led to an increase in requests for similar training from other community groups and businesses.

DFRS was proud to partner with Frederick County Parks and Recreation to host the first Junior Firefighter Academy in June 2024. This one-day program, designed for children ages 6-11, introduced participants to life in

the fire service. DFRS welcomed 120+ participants to the Public Safety Training Facility grounds and walked them through a variety of hands-on activity stations, allowing them to get an up-close look at what it means to be part of Frederick County Fire & Rescue. Some of the activity stations included physical training, dressing in turn out gear, learning about smoke alarms, escape planning, exploring the parts of a fire truck, navigating an obstacle course, practicing first aid and calling 9-1-1, using a fire extinguisher, and working a thermal imaging camera. Planning for the 2025 Junior Firefighter Academy is already well underway.

In 2025, DFRS plans to continue strengthening our partnerships while working to create innovative and accessible ways to communicate with our community members. To view the DFRS fire prevention and life safety materials, please visit: www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/FCDFRSCommunityOutreach . To request DFRS’s attendance at a community function or for specific questions regarding the Community Outreach Program, contact Calli Guercio, Community Outreach Coordinator, via email at CGuercio@FrederickCountyMD.gov.

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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 FY24 budget for the Division of Fire Rescue Services is $114,862,037 and employs 645 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 $60 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 16 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 2 - Equipment Technicians 2 - Breathing Apparatus Technicians

2 - Part-Time Logistics Specialists 1 - EMS Billing Supervisor 2 - EMS Billing Specialists

1 - Battalion Chief - Technology and Fleet 1 - Battalion Chief - Fire Marshal’s Office 3 - Lieutenants - 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 is certified to inspect/test PPE to ensure it conforms 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 twenty-nine (29) 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 County’s uniformed employees. The Ambulance Transport Insurance Billing Program generates approximately $7.8 million in revenue on an annual basis, with approximately $2.1 million distributed to the transporting fire/rescue companies. This program reviews over thirty 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 $360,000 and distributes to the first due fire/rescue Company which the subscriber lives in. The HIPAA Compliance Officer is a separate function within the 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 24 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 Supervisor works hand and hand with the Billing Agent and insurance carriers to ensure accurate billing and reimbursement. o Is responsible for coordinating the Emergency Service Transporter Supplemental Payment Program (ESPP) which is a cost recovery program through Medicaid reimbursement. Ambulance Transport Insurance Billing Additionally, this program: o

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ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Breathing Apparatus Technicians

The Breathing Apparatus Technicians assigned to the Administrative Services Division are 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. 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 Technicians

The Equipment Technicians are responsible for maintaining various equipment related to the fire service, including small motors such as saws, pumps, and generators, as well as other hand tools and equipment. They also collaborate closely with the IT department to maintain the MDTs in the vehicles and the hearing protection systems in the apparatus. In addition, the Equipment Technicians, alongside the Logistics Manager, are responsible for equipping new apparatus, ambulances, and medic units to prepare them for service. Furthermore, the Equipment Technicians serve as program managers for Standards Inspections, Pumps Testing, Ladder Testing, and Hose Testing county-wide for all fire rescue apparatus, ambulances, and other vehicles. They are also certified in the testing, maintenance, and repair of ladders used on fire apparatus.

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ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

DMINISTRATIVE S

Accomplishments

• The EMS Billing Program generated $7.8 million dollars in revenue, of which $2.1 was distributed to the various Fire/EMS Companies. The remainder is used to offset personnel cost of ALS and BLS personnel.

• The Equipment Technicians 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 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 Technicians 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.

• The project to install the APS Fire Station Alerting systems in all county fire stations is ongoing. This initiative aims to implement the APS Alerting system across every fire station in the county.

• Continuing the project to replace the Knox Box electronic key cores with the new E-Key Secure System cores, with completion expected in early FY25.

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

• Completed the Emergency Service Transporter Supplemental Payment Program (ESPP) cost recovery program which netted $3.9M in revenue. This was based on audited cost from FY23.

• Committee was established for an evaluation and recommendation of the replacement of the Electronic Patient Care Reporting tablets and MDT’s (Mobile Data Terminals).

• Purchased and installed an Oxygen Filling Station. This will eliminate supply interruptions from our vendors in providing oxygen to Fire/Rescue and ensure a continuous supply to the c ounty’s fire and EMS companies.

• Purchased and installed an SCBA Washer. This will allow us to wash and decontaminate SCBAs, helping to reduce carcinogens that could cause cancer in our BA Technicians and firefighters.

• PPE Committee has been meeting with vendors discussing our current PPE, delivery, changes with NFPA and Cleaning and Care Programs.

• SCBA Committee conducted and extensive evaluation of SCBA from different vendors to recommend a replacement for our current equipment.

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ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

•

Accomplishments (continued)

Apparatus:

• Issued a contract with Pierce Mfg., 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.

• Issued a contract with FESCO for the purchase of four new ambulances using ESPP Funding. Expect delivery of these units in June 2025.

• Took delivery and equipped 3 new ambulances.

• The conversion of transferring the truck box on the Hazmat Support Unit to a new chassis was completed and unit was placed into service.

• Tandem Axle Box Truck was received for the Collapse Team. Members of the ATR Team were involved in the layout and construction of racking in the truck to carry their equipment. Up-fitting was to be completed in January 2025, and then unit will be ready for service.

• Took delivery of the new Air Cascade Unit and Technical Rescue Support Unit.

• Purchased and took delivery of a Tractor Trailer to be used for the CDL Program and movement of materials and supplies as needed.

• Purchased and received Telehandler to be used at the PSTF for the movement of training props and materials, as well as for other tasks around the PSTF campus.

• Up- Fitting of new vehicles for the Command Staff, Medic Units, Fire Marshal’s office and MCH Program.

• Radio headsets were installed in 16 large apparatus vehicles in the county (Volunteer owned) that did not have hearing protection. This was funded with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds.

• Contract issued for the purchase and installation of DVRs in Command Vehicles (County & Volunteer owned). This was funded with ARPA funds.

• Evaluation and fact finding for the purchase of an electric fire engine and infrastructure required for the charging system.

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ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

•

Accomplishments (continued)

Construction Projects:

• PSTF Pole Barn: DFRS received a $1.5 million grant from the State of Maryland for the construction of a training/apparatus garage and storage building, as well as renovations to the PSTF Annex locker rooms to better accommodate recruit training. The design for the building has been completed and building permits have been obtained. An Invitation for Bid (IFB) will be issued in January 2025 for construction. • Green Valley Fire Station : Construction has begun for the water and sewer line to be run from the Landsdale Sub-Division to the new Fire Station site. The current design is being finalized and expect to submit for permits in March 2025. Once permits are received, bid documents for construction will be issued. • Carroll Manor Fire Station : The property for this fire station has been deeded to the County. A ten-acre site was donated by a private donor at the intersection of Adamstown Road and Rt. 85 in the Adamstown area. A contract was awarded to Bignell Watkins & Hasser for the design of the fire station. • Logistics Warehouse at Tilco Dr : Second phase of the buildout of the Logistics Warehouse on Tilco Drive was completed. This included adding a loading ramp to provide access to drive into the warehouse, adding garage door access, awnings at the doors, ventilation system to the PPE Cleaning Room and Large ceiling fans in the warehouse area. • Logistics Warehouse (Phase 3) : A contract was awarded for the design and build-out of the final unimproved area of Tilco, focusing on the front corner, first, and second floors. The second floor will add eight offices to relocate and expand the Fire Marshal's office. The first floor will feature a large hearing/training room for use by the Liquor Board and other agencies. Also included are a kitchen, locker room, and showers for Logistics and Fire Marshal personnel. • Cistern Project : Sites are currently being designed for the installation of cisterns in the Wolfsville and Sabillasville areas. This will include the installation of 30,000-gallon water tanks to provide water supply for fire suppression in these areas. • Westview Fire Station : Contract issued to the Architects at Manns and Woodward for the renovation of the Westview Fire Station. Expect construction in Summer/Fall of 2025.

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22

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

FY 2025 FISCAL PLAN

Approved

Actual

Actual

Actual

Budget

Description

FY22

FY23

FY24

FY25

Number of Personnel

7

8

8

8

Expenditures: Salary & Wages

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

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

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

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

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

647,060

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

653,263

Overtime

9,364

-

Health Insurance

68,026 29,856

70,741

OPEB

3,744

Dental Insurance

362

362

360

360

Social Security/Medicare

39,643 71,381

43,555 72,980

48,923

49,386

Retirement

121,312

128,209

Unemployment Cont.

429

508

338

240

Worker's Comp. Life Insurance

8,471 1,686

9,038 1,791

8,893 2,060

7,846

862

Total Salary & Fringes

770,498

821,973

936,191

914,651

Operating Costs: Medical (Physicals)

- -

-

356

-

Computer License & Maintenance

11,919 105,664

39,380

106,500 211,543

Equipment Maint./Repairs

99,436

138,851

Fleet Charges

19

-

-

-

Telephone Base/Activity Wireless Communications

10,773 173,118

11,644 184,045

13,829

21,449

192,331

179,016

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

-

288

-

-

172,035

141,133

490,435

577,693

1,635 4,118 1,753

357

713

1,375 4,550

1,649

1,515

- - - -

-

-

Small Tools

658

2,171

1,907

Uniforms/Safety Shoes Nonexpendable Supplies

- -

717

-

-

20,122

Hand-light & Nozzle Repair Supplies

45

2,011

5,132

6,000

CO 25 Supplies SCBA Supplies

-

-

-

-

68,944

61,250

100,233

71,000 15,000 19,800 40,000

Medical/Surgical Supplies Breathing Air Supplies Emrg HAZMAT Supplies

-

-

-

16,789 16,633

3,794

6,133

23,643 10,919 44,566

23,464 19,599 16,563

Misc. Supplies

5,622

9,782

Computer S/W and H/W Non Capital Equipment

23,229 68,144

55,020

4,574

- - - - -

- - - - -

Fleet Fuel

- - - -

- - - -

Event Expense

Capital Equipment-NonBuilding

Misc. Recovery

Total Operating Expenses

662,951

607,457

1,051,421

$ 1,340,757

Total

$

1,433,448

$ 1,429,430

$

1,987,612

$ 2,255,408

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ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

FY 2025 FISCAL PLAN

Ambulance Billing Office

Approved

Actual

Actual

Actual

Budget

Description

FY22

FY23

FY24

FY25

Number of Personnel

3

3

3

3

Revenues: Federal Grants - Direct

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$ 6,950,158

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

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

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

$

7,844,439

$ $ $

6,500,000 (1,938,800) 395,000 (395,000) 4,561,200

$ (1,877,914) $ (2,067,796)

360,849

$ $ $

354,147

$ $ $

358,315

(357,930) 4,359,603

(308,437) 5,117,954

(307,413) $

5,827,545

$

Expenditures: Salary & Wages

137,426

$ $ $

147,713

$ $ $ $

129,958

$ $

155,785

Overtime

-

-

-

-

Health Insurance

32,467

33,265

26,967 $ 11,196 $

33,935

OPEB

7,704 $

5,040

1,404

Dental Insurance

181

$

181 $

136

$ $

120

Social Security/Medicare

9,915 $

10,686 17,135

$ $

9,437

11,917 23,523

Retirement

15,941

$ $ $ $ $

18,890 $

Unemployment Cont.

144 163 455

153 $ 133 $ 489 $

61

$ $ $ $

90

Worker's Comp. Life Insurance

101 419

109 205

Total Salary & Fringes

204,396

214,795

$

197,166

227,088

Operating Costs: Banking/Investment Telephone Base/Activity

21,036

$

21,485

$ $ $ $ $ $ $

23,073 $

30,900

1,757 $

1,761

1,717

$ $ $ $ $

2,268

Advertising

-

$

67

-

400

Travel/Training

2,219 $

6,271

2,395

10,000

Mileage

-

$ $ $

84

-

-

Contracted Services

250,613 41,652

330,842 44,688

393,283

382,450

Postage

48,362 $

48,500

$ 400

Dues/Subscriptions

-

$ $

-

$

-

Printing

756

598 $ 980 $

274

$ $ $ $ $

2,712 5,000

Computer S/W and H/W Non Capital Equipment

1,172 $ 4,648 $

- - -

- -

$ $ $

-

Office Supplies

-

$ $

5,000

Total Operating Expenses

323,853

406,776

469,105

487,630

Total

$

528,249

$

621,571

$

666,271

$

714,718

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ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Ambulance 148

Technical Rescue Support #29 - Collapse Truck

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

Air Unit 15

Technical Rescue Support #29 - ATR Truck

CDL Tractor Trailer

Telehandler

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25

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Rendering of the PSTF Pole Barn

Architects rendering of the Green Valley Fire Station #25

Architects rendering of the Carroll Manor Fire Station #14

25

26

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Office of the Fire Marshal The Frederick County Office of the Fire Marshal prioritizes the protection of life and property within the county. This is achieved through a multi-pronged approach encompassing engineering, education, and enforcement. Fire Marshals within the office are responsible for a wide range of duties, including fire and life safety code enforcement, investigations, and other related activities across Frederick County and its municipalities. To ensure immediate response, a Fire Marshal is on call 24/7 to address urgent code enforcement complaints and investigate fires.

The Office is structured into two distinct sections: Code Enforcement and Investigations.

Fire Marshals within the office possess a high level of expertise. They are certified in Code Enforcement and hold prestigious credentials such as Certified Fire and Explosion Investigators (CFEI) through the National Association of Fire Investigators and Certified Fire Investigation Technicians (FIT) through the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI). These certifications are earned through rigorous processes, demanding proficiency in all aspects of code enforcement and investigation. This includes successful completion of practical skills assessments, written examinations, and continuous professional development. During the spring of 2024, all assigned Fire Marshal’s obtained certification as Evidence Collection Technicians (ECT) through the IAAI.

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.

Code Enforcement Section

The Code Enforcement Section of the Fire Marshal's Office prioritizes public safety and well-being by ensuring compliance with various fire and life safety regulations. With over 7,000 properties requiring inspection across the county, the Fire Marshals diligently conduct proactive fire and life safety inspections in accordance with both Frederick County and Maryland State Fire Prevention Codes. The Fire Marshals actively collaborate with the Frederick County Division of Planning and Permitting and other code enforcement officials from the various municipalities within Frederick County to ensure consistent code enforcement and facilitate efficient resolution of compliance issues. To effectively address this substantial workload, two additional Fire Marshal positions have been approved for the office, commencing in Fiscal Year 2026. The Office prioritizes inspections based on the potential risk to life and injury. Public assembly buildings, including restaurants, meeting halls, churches, schools, and apartment buildings, are considered high-risk and receive the most attention. All buildings, except for one and two-family dwellings, are subject to fire code compliance. The Office of the Fire Marshal also inspects a variety of other facilities and events, including State licensed facilities, such as migrant labor camps, day camps, counseling services, and assisted living facilities; and special events, including large gatherings like the Fourth of July celebration, The Great Frederick Fair, and all licensed firework displays.

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