Last November, Charles Bailey, a 34-year veteran of Montgomery County Fire and Rescue was poised to become its first Black Fire Chief. This week that nomination unraveled. And now new details about the process that led to its demise have emerged.
In further comments about filling the still vacant Fire Chief position, County Executive Marc Elrich said the search for a new candidate goes on. Internal candidates remain under consideration. He added he will be looking for a chief with experience in a similar-sized fire operation.
After Elrich said there was not enough support among the county council to move forward with Bailey’s nomination, Council President Andrew Friedson told MCM on Friday, “It’s the county executive’s job to garner support for his nominees.”
Friedson said the nomination expired Jan. 17, 60 days after it was submitted.
