Councilmembers questioned Prince George’s Deputy Fire Chief Corey Smedley Tuesday about the priorities and approach he would bring to Montgomery County if chosen to head Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service.
Smedley, 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 fire chief as well as the first chief not chosen from within the department, according to Councilmember Laurie Anne Sayles.
If chosen, Smedley would lead more than 2,225 firefighters, including about 1,300 career and 900 volunteer firefighters. He would be paid $230,000.
He would replace former Chief Scott Goldstein, who currently is fire chief 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,” Smedley told councilmembers.
His sister was a firefighter in Prince George’s County and inspired him to do likewise. However, he noted, “She was one of the early women of color” in the department and faced numerous struggles.
“I forgave, but I did not forget,” he said.
If chosen, clear communications and relationship building will be a major thrust of his efforts, he said.
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, Smedley 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.
If chosen as the next fire chief, Smedley said he would not be shy in asking council for more resources.
Montgomery County Chief Administrative Officer Rich Madaleno, called Smedley “an experienced leader in the fire community” and praised Smedley’s efforts to connect with everyone who works with him, and often their families as well.
The three things that motivate Smedley are family, faith and firefighting, Madaleno said.
Smedley, 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 interviews @MontCoExec nominee Chief Corey Smedley View the agenda & staff reports on the Council’s website https://t.co/ESUIS5QB98. pic.twitter.com/5g9zOY9HkF
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) June 25, 2024
