About

The department is statutorily responsible for administering the affairs of the county in fire suppression and prevention, fire training, arson investigation, rescue services and emergency medical services. The Office of Emergency Management Command within the Department of Fire & Rescue Services has the lead responsibility for county-wide emergency management planning, preparedness and response.

Every station has at least one engine and one paramedic unit assigned. Many of our stations also house vehicles such as ladder trucks, heavy duty rescue squads, brush trucks, foam and dry chemical units and water tankers. Career personnel work on a three-shift, 24-hour rotating schedule, but may be required to work a 12-hour peak load or 40-hour daywork schedule. Our mission is to maintain a safe environment and high quality of life in Howard County by educating, protecting and serving our citizens, members and visitors.

Howard County Fire and Rescue Logo

Frequently Asked Questions

News

Find the latest news updates.

News

Fire Department Leadership

Portrait of Louis Winston
Louis Winston
Fire Chief
Read Biography

About

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball named Louis Winston Chief of the Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) on September 7, 2021. Chief Winston joined the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services on February 12, 1990, and served under seven fire chiefs and six county executives. He served three decades in the Department, rising to the rank of Deputy Chief prior to his retirement in January 2020.

As a servant leader, Chief Winston recognizes the importance of the growth and well-being of people and communities. He leads the Department with open, honest, and transparent collaborative leadership that embraces the diversity and inclusion of Howard County to help maintain safe and engaged communities. Understanding the importance of both external and internal customer services, Chief Winston continues to focus the Department on providing high quality diverse services that promote life safety and the well-being of its members.

A graduate of Loyola Blakefield, Winston holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Homeland Security from the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC). He is also a graduate of Leadership Howard County’s Premier Class of 2015 and the Carl Holmes Executive Development Institute 2015.

A member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Winston is a past recipient of the Howard County Government’s Mentorship Award, Baltimore County Recreation and Parks’ Shining Star Award and Turner Station Community Service Award.

Deputy Chief Wallace
Deputy Chief Gordon Wallace
Sean Alliger
Deputy Chief Sean Alliger
Jeremy Clancy
Deputy Chief Jeremy Clancy

Stay Connected!

Sign up for the County Executive's weekly newsletter and stay up to date on everything Howard County.
 

Zip Code