In response to requests from volunteer fire companies to provide for full-time liaison staff for the membership of the volunteer fire and rescue services community, the Frederick Board of County Commissioners today unanimously voted to establish a position of director-volunteer chief, Division of Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services. The new position will be at the division director level and serve at the pleasure of the board. The person in the position will report to the county manager and receive direction from the director-fire chief of the Division of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS), as well as from the Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (FCVFRA) Executive Board.
The board further appointed Chip Jewell to fill the newly created position in an acting capacity. Mr. Jewell is currently serving as Director of the Frederick County Emergency Communications Department and will transition to the new post as of August 11. His formal approval in this position is contingent upon confirmation by the FCVFRA in the near future. The fire service community and citizens will be able to provide feedback regarding the job description for this position at a public hearing on August 19.