Scott Goldstein, who has been a firefighter in Montgomery County for three decades and the chief for eight years, will retire from Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service (MCFRS) on June 30.
“Chief Goldstein has given this County so much since he first started with the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department in 1987,” said Executive Marc Elrich in a news release. “We have leaned on his expertise and skills as a leader and watched the department grow under his leadership.”
Elrich added, “I thank him for his service to the men and women of MCFRS and the people of this County.”
Goldstein will become fire chief for Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue in Kelson, Washington as of July 17. This position enables him to live nearby his wife’s family. He originally had announced he would retire in September 2024.
“It is my honor and pleasure to be part of this great department and to have the opportunity to serve as your fire chief,” said Goldstein in the news release.
Goldstein has been the face of Montgomery County Fire and Rescue as he detailed disasters in the county including the recent fire at the Arrive apartments in Silver Spring, a plane crash into wires in Gaithersburg and fires and explosions at the Potomac Oaks Apartments in Gaithersburg and the Friendly Apartments in Silver Spring
“I can’t thank enough the love and support from my mom and dad, my wife Heidi and sons, Logan and Wyatt, who continue to support me in my passion and service, all the while tackling many things without me due to work/service commitments,” said Goldstein. “For that support and love, I am eternally grateful.”
The county is conducting a national search for Goldstein’s replacement. The county executive office will handle the search.
