(10/1) County Awarded $9.7 Million SAFER Grant To Hire 32 Additional Firefighters
Frederick County has been awarded a $9,732,102.08 federal grant to hire additional firefighters in the Division of Fire & Rescue Services. County Executive Jessica Fitzwater announced the grant, the largest awarded to a Maryland fire service to date this year, this afternoon at a press conference alongside U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, and Congressman David Trone. The grant is through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program.
"I am grateful to Senator Cardin, Senator Van Hollen and Congressman Trone for their support and assistance to secure these funds," Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater said. "It has been a priority of ours to increase the size of our crews to better protect our first responders, who put their lives on the line every day for our community. This SAFER grant allows us to phase in this important change."
"Firefighters and first-responders are always on the front lines in an emergency. They often respond to fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials spills, natural disasters and active shooter situations," said Senator Cardin. "As many fire stations across the state struggle to fund equipment, training and staff, this federal funding will help provide Frederick County with the personnel and support it needs to keep its growing community safe in an emergency."
"Strong local fire departments are fundamental to the safety of our communities. This investment that Federal Team Maryland fought to secure will enable Frederick County to continue its firefighter recruitment efforts, which will improve emergency response capabilities and better protect those on the front lines who are putting themselves at risk to keep the rest of us safe every day," said Senator Van Hollen. "I will keep working to make sure Maryland firefighters and first responders have the resources to stay fully equipped, staffed, and trained in the years to come."
"Maryland relies on its firefighters every day to keep our communities safe and sound," said Congressman David Trone, member of the House Appropriations Committee. "All of our brave first responders are heroes who deserve the utmost admiration, respect, and support. So I couldn't be more proud to work with Team Maryland in Congress and County Executive Fitzwater to deliver federal funding to stand by our first responders and improve the safety of our communities."
Increasing engine and ladder truck crews was one of the recommendations made by an external review panel that examined the Aug. 11, 2021, house fire on Ball Road in Ijamsville that claimed the life of Battalion Chief Joshua Laird.
"The award of the SAFER Grant allows Frederick County to hire 32 additional firefighters," said Chief Tom Coe, Director of the Division of Fire & Rescue Services, "so we can continue the transition from three-person to four-person staffing on our fire suppression units. Four-person staffing is a national fire service consensus standard and key recommendation found in the Ball Road After Action and Improvement Report."
When the new positions are filled, the Division of Fire & Rescue Service will have 633 operational career firefighters. Frederick County’s combined fire service also includes approximately 500 volunteer responders across 30 fire and rescue stations.
Frederick County Rural Legacy Program Receives $3.135 Million State Grant
The Maryland Board of Public Works approved a $3.135 million grant to Frederick County’s Mid-Maryland Frederick-Carrollton Manor Rural Legacy Area as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 Rural Legacy Program.
Maryland’s Rural Legacy Program provides the focus and funding necessary to protect and preserve large, contiguous tracts of rich agricultural and forested land from sprawling development. The program partners with local governments and private land trust sponsors across the state, who work with willing property owners to acquire conservation easements.
The Maryland legislature appropriated approximately $34.6 million for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ program. Rural Legacy purchases conservation easements or fee simple interests in real property from willing property owners, based on Rural Legacy Plans that have been reviewed by the Rural Legacy Board.
To date, 7,324 acres have been permanently preserved in Frederick County through the Rural Legacy Program.
In total, the Frederick County Agricultural Land Preservation Program has permanently preserved over 71,919 acres of land in the County. "We are proud to have a program that permanently preserves land in our county," said Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. "Frederick has such a rich agricultural history and receiving this grant allows us to continue to preserve that history."
Information about the Rural Legacy program and other County agricultural preservation programs is available on the Agricultural Preservation website. For additional details, contact Anne Bradley, Program Administrator, at 301-600-1474 or via e-mail at abradley@frederickcountymd.gov.
County Reaches Settlement Agreement On Land Use Issue
Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater today announced the resolution of a decade-long land use disagreement. She signed a settlement agreement Tuesday with the Town of New Market and Avanti Properties, the Washington, D.C. based developer of several parcels of land within the town limits, known as Calumet.
On Dec. 23, 2022, Avanti filed a lawsuit against the County and the Town, alleging the prior administration failed to transmit water and sewer amendments to the County Council for its consideration, and asking the court to order the County to move the process forward.
The agreement signed today settles that lawsuit, commits Avanti to pay at least $8.6 million in school mitigation fees, ensures the availability of funds to cover the County’s ongoing maintenance costs of the future New Market Bypass, and commits the County to schedule the required public hearing on changes to a water and sewer plan.
"I am keenly aware of the challenges our school system faces as the result of rapid growth," County Executive Fitzwater said. "This agreement finds opportunity out of a challenge. I’m pleased to be able to settle this issue in a way that brings benefits to county residents."
County Executive Fitzwater also announced that Frederick County has acquired the Burall Farm, a 119-acre site at the intersection of Routes 75 and 80, for a new school. The school will ease overcrowding in the eastern and southern parts of the county. When built, the facility will be the 11th high school in Frederick County Public Schools.
"The Burall Farm will help us meet a growing need in our community with additional school capacity," County Executive Fitzwater said. "Enrollment in Frederick County Public Schools is growing faster than all other systems in the state. Buying this property gives us an ideal location to serve students in New Market’s and Urbana’s growth areas."
Transit Enhances Access to the Taxi Access Program
It is now easier than ever for eligible Transit plus users to participate in Transit Taxi Access Program, or TAP. Through the TAP, Frederick County residence 60 or older, who have permanent or temporary disabilities, now have even more flexible transportation options. The program aims to help current transit plus users get around Frederick County by providing supplemental access through Fredericks taxi providers.
Starting immediately, all eligible users cannot participate in TAP after scheduling or attempting to schedule three transit plus rides over the course of a month. This decision was made after discussing needs with current Transit plus users and identifying opportunities to provide more scheduling flexibility. TAP provides an additional way for people who are eligible for the transit plus program to travel within Frederick County, including during times when transom plus is not operating.
With the TAP, eligible users receive an allotment of taxi fines monthly, based on home ZIP Codes. Participants pay ZIP Code bass fair to use the service and received a subsidy funded by Transit which is applied to a reloadable swipe card. The amount can be used anytime during the month, with up to three months of taxi fun store on a reloadable card. The card to swipe by participating taxi companies to pay the fair. TAP users can pay in smaller increments of five or $10 twice a month if necessary.
For more information on TAP, please visit Transit website or contact transit by phone at 301-600-2065
Fitzwater Appoints Human Resources Director
Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater appointed of Emily Fiftal to lead the county’s Human Resources Division. Ms. Fiftal brings over two decades of experience in human resources and employment law, and experience in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) efforts. The appointment was confirmed by the Frederick County Council this evening.
"Ms. Fiftal is the leader we need to modernize our talent management and make Frederick County a highly sought after employer," said County Executive Fitzwater. "She brings invaluable experience to help us strive toward an employee-centered approach in her position as the Human Resources Director."
"I want to recognize Deputy Director Shannon Powell for her service as Acting Director. I am incredibly grateful for her current and continued service to our workforce and residents."
Mr. Fiftal brings an extensive background in employee management compliance and best practices training. Her decades of experience in senior leadership roles have allowed her to manage every aspect of human resources.
Ms. Fiftal earned her juris doctorate from Case Western University School of Law with a certificate in litigation and her bachelor’s degree in communications science from Truman State University.
Russell Takes Reins as County’s Human Relations Director
Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater has hired an investigator with over three decades of experience to revive the county’s Human Relations Department.
Anthony Russell began this week as Director of Human Relations. This department within the Office of Equity and Inclusion is charged with investigating discrimination complaints in housing, employment, and public accommodations, as well as educating the community through trainings, outreach, and initiatives. The director also serves as the primary staff contact for the Human Relations Commission.
"People need to know they have an advocate when they face discrimination in our community," said County Executive Fitzwater, "and Anthony brings extensive skills, knowledge, and commitment to the position of Human Relations Director."
"We are excited to have someone with his skillset and interest in public good to lead the effort in educating our entire community on the very critical matter of human rights," said Frederick County Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer Michael Hughes. "Frederick County Government is committed to addressing injustices and providing leadership in creating a community where each of us is equally valued for the humanity that we share. We are fortunate to have Anthony join us in this effort."
Mr. Russell brings an extensive background in investigating discrimination. During his 34 years as a Baltimore County Police officer, he spent 18 years as the department’s Fair Practices Liaison. He monitored nationwide trends in discrimination and
served as the primary educator for sexual harassment and discrimination training.
Mr. Russell earned his master’s degree in management and executive leadership and a bachelor’s degree in management, both from Johns Hopkins University.
Additionally, he has specialized training in mediation, conflict management resolution, employment discrimination, and cultural diversity, among other topics.
People who believe they have been discriminated against in housing, employment, or public accommodations in Frederick County can contact the Human Relations Department by calling 301-600-1110.
Fire & Rescue Spokesperson Earns National Award
The National Information Officers Association recognized Frederick County Division of Fire & Rescue Services Public Information Officer Sarah Campbell with their 2023 Outstanding Management of a Critical Incident Award. She earned the honor for her work coordinating public communications following the March 4 tanker truck explosion and resulting fires along U.S. Route 15.
"I am grateful for Sarah and our public information officers across Frederick County Government who work hard to ensure our community is informed during critical times," County Executive Jessica Fitzwater said. "Sarah did a remarkable job. I congratulate her on this impressive honor."
"Frederick County is fortunate to have such a professional advocate to keep the public informed of emergencies that occur in our community," Fire Chief Tom Coe said. "Mrs. Campbell is a hard-working public servant who cares deeply about Frederick County and is incredibly committed to our organization’s mission. I am excited that the National Information Officers Association has recognized Sarah with this most prestigious award."
On March 4, emergency responders received multiple calls for reports of multiple house fires, a vehicle explosion, and a large brush fire, all along the Route 15 corridor near Rosemont Avenue. Quickly realizing the severity of the incident and its impact on residents and travelers, Campbell stood up a Joint Information Center within the Frederick County Emergency Operations Center, bringing in communications staff from multiple agencies to assist. She provided oversight on all aspects of communications crisis management, providing information to the public through social media channels and media outlets in a timely manner. As news of this event spread to a national audience, Campbell coordinated a press conference with officials from numerous state and local agencies.
When the public began questioning whether hazardous materials from the incident threatened a nearby drinking water source, Campbell worked with the Maryland Department of the Environment, Frederick County Division of Fire & Rescue Hazardous Materials Team, and the City of Frederick City’s Department of Public Works to distribute accurate information. By dispelling rumors quickly, their efforts prevented additional chaos to an already critical incident.
Throughout the event and into the following week, Campbell guided community leaders and elected officials on communication aspects. She worked with leaders to hold a Town Hall forum for affected residents. With representation from multiple state and local agencies, she oversaw an open forum event in which community members could get their questions answered. Throughout the entire incident, Campbell maintained a calm, cool attitude and maintained control of the communications aspect of the situation.
County Awarded Two Grants to Combat the Opioid Epidemic
Frederick County has been awarded two grants totaling almost $2 million to help Frederick County combat the opioid epidemic.
A 2023 First Responders - Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (FR-CARA) Grant comes from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in the amount of $1.8 million over the next four years.
The second grant awarded was from the Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts (FORE), worth $150,000 to be utilized over the next two years.
These grants will expand the Division of Fire and Rescue Service’s (DFRS) partnership with the Frederick County Health Department as they continue to operate the Community Outreach And Support Team (COAST). "We are very proud of our partnership with DFRS that has created a program with effective interventions and positive outcomes," said Andrea Walker, Director, Behavioral Health Services Division and Local Behavioral Health Authority.
COAST is a collaborative initiative that launched in 2021 to provide enhanced access to substance use treatment and recovery resources through the on-scene response of both a Community Paramedic and a Peer Recovery Specialist.
The SAMHSA grant funds will allow the COAST initiative to increase the hours they are available per week, as well as an increase in the scope of care that can be provided by their team. Both grants support educating first responders and community partners, working directly with those in need, on opioid emergency identification and response, reducing overdose fatalities. In addition, the grants allow the county to continue strengthening a regional network of care for those with behavioral and drug-related conditions and increase access to critically needed treatment and recovery services.
"These grant funds will provide meaningful, effective, and purpose-driven support towards the opioid epidemic that we continue to battle", said Fire Chief Tom Coe. "This funding is an enormous step towards increasing Frederick County’s capacity in providing the right resources to members of our community in their time of need."
For more information about COAST, please contact COAST Program staff at COAST@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
