Here are five top news items from the week of Jan. 8.
Division Chief Charles Bailey is nominated to lead the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS). If confirmed to the position, Bailey would become the county’s first Black fire chief.
Over his career with MCFRS, he has been a paramedic, in charge of the hazmat team, and a shift commander — among other positions — before becoming division chief of operations. He also led the fire department’s COVID-19 response.
2. Fair Gives Glimpse of What County Summer Camps Offer
Registration for county recreation summer camps begin Tuesday, Jan. 16. The recreation department provides hundreds of summer camp programs at locations throughout the county.
The county held the first of two fairs Sunday, Jan. 7 in Rockville at the Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Community Recreation Center. MCM spoke with Carmen Berrios from the Recreation Department who explained the purpose of the fairs.
3. Congressional Candidate Vogel Announces Plan During Latino Campaign Event
Congressional Candidate Joe Vogel hosted a community event to discuss the diverse needs of Maryland’s 6th Congressional District’s Latino community and beyond. The event underscores Joe Vogel’s comprehensive policy agenda, “Plan Para El Futuro De Nuestra Comunidad,” focusing on economic growth, healthcare access, support for DACA recipients, and small business assistance.
The press conference occurred Monday, Jan. 8 at the popular Latino restaurant La Casita Pupeseria in Gaithersburg.
4. Maryland First Lady Sponsors New Navy Medical Ship Named USNS Bethesda
A new Navy medical ship will be named the USNS Bethesda EMS 1. Maryland First Lady Dawn Moore is the ship’s sponsor. She and Gov. Wes Moore were guests of honor at a ceremony Monday at Naval Support Activity Bethesda.
The USNS Bethesda is lead ship in a new class of medical ships. It is named after the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, now consolidated into the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
5. Overcrowded Derwood Animal Shelter Extends Hours
The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) continues to operate at critical capacity for dogs. Beginning Sunday, Jan. 14, the shelter in Derwood will be open for adoptions seven days a week.
