Councilmembers questioned Prince George’s Deputy Fire Chief 科里斯梅德利 Tuesday about the priorities and approach he would bring to Montgomery County if chosen to head Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service.
斯梅德利, who was praised by most if not all councilmembers during the hour-long question and answer session, would be the county’s first African American 消防队长 as well as the first chief not chosen from within the department, according to Councilmember Laurie Anne Sayles.
如果选择, 斯梅德利 would lead more than 2,225名消防员, 包括大约1个,300 career and 900 volunteer firefighters. He would be paid $230,000.
He would replace former Chief Scott Goldstein, who currently is 消防队长 with Cowlitz County Rural Fire Protection District #2 in Washington State. Interim Fire Chief Gary Cooper currently heads the department.
“Service has been part of my life, my entire adult life,” 斯梅德利 told councilmembers.
His sister was a firefighter in Prince George’s County and inspired him to do likewise. 然而, 他指出, “She was one of the early women of color” in the department and faced numerous struggles.
“I forgave, but I did not forget,” 他说.
如果选择, clear communications and relationship building will be a major thrust of his efforts, 他说.
He talked about staffing shortages and the long hours some firefighters often work and said he hoped to ensure that everyone in his department is able to balance workload and home life.
As for recruitment, 斯梅德利 said, “We are going to recruit while we are out there in the community.”
His top priorities would be to learn the organization, make sure staff has the resources and training needed to be safe. He also would stress ways to prevent emergency calls by striving to keep people and buildings safe.
Noting that most of the calls firefighters go out on are medical in nature, he vowed to prevent as many deaths as possible.
如果选择 as the next 消防队长, 斯梅德利 said he would not be shy in asking council for more resources.
Montgomery County Chief Administrative Officer Rich Madaleno, called 斯梅德利 “an experienced leader in the fire community” and praised 斯梅德利’s efforts to connect with everyone who works with him, and often their families as well.
The three things that motivate 斯梅德利 are family, faith and firefighting, Madaleno said.
斯梅德利, who previously served as the City of Alexandria Fire Chief and has worked in the field for almost 30 years, seemed likely to be approved by council.
“You sir, are most impressive,” said Councilmember Sidney Katz. Other councilmembers commented that they looked forward to working with him.
.@MoCoCouncilMD 面试 @MontCoExec nominee Chief 科里斯梅德利 View the agenda & staff reports on the Council’s website http://t.co/ESUIS5QB98. 图片.推特.com/5g9zOY9HkF
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) 2024年6月25日
