The Baltimore County Fire Department would add 12 battalion chiefs as part of Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier’s fiscal year 2027 budget proposal that she plans to deliver Thursday.
The proposed budget includes about $3.4 million to more than double the county’s number of battalion chiefs to the fire department’s highest amount since 2000.
“The sooner these leaders are present during an emergency, the sooner they can ensure a scene is under control,” Klausmeier said in a statement. “In an emergency, every minute matters. This is something our career firefighters have been requesting for years. I know that these additional battalion chiefs will make Baltimore County safer and help our first responders continue to do what they do best: save lives.”
The new positions would improve the department’s ability to respond to fire and emergency calls, county leaders said.
“This investment strengthens public safety for everyone who lives, works, and visits Baltimore County,” Baltimore County Fire Chief Joseph R. Dixon said in a statement. “With more than 150,000 calls each year, expanding the number of on-duty battalion chiefs from three to six ensures experienced leadership can respond more quickly, support first responders, and manage emergencies effectively. We’re grateful for the continued commitment to keeping our communities and firefighters safe.
The Baltimore County Council is scheduled to vote on the budget proposal at their May 21 meeting.
Baltimore County Councilman David Marks, a Republican who represents the county’s Fifth District, expressed support for the funding allocation for expanding the fire department’s staff.
“Nothing is more important than the safety of our communities, and I appreciate County Executive Klausmeier’s support of this additional support for our firefighters,” Marks said in a statement.
Baltimore County Councilman Pat Young, a Democrat who represents the county’s First District, also cheered the announcement.
“This is a meaningful legacy decision for the Klausmeier Administration and I’m grateful to the County Executive for making a long-requested and much-needed investment in our Fire Department,” Young said in a statement. “This is the perfect example of why labor representation matters. Unions advocating for their rank-and-file leads to stronger essential services. The IAFF’s advocacy and the County Executive’s willingness to tackle tough long-standing needs brought about this positive result.”
The move also garnered appreciation from the union that represents fire and emergency personnel.
“Today marks a major step forward for Baltimore County firefighters and public safety,” said Steve Redmer, president of Local 1311 International Association of Firefighters, in a statement. “Restoring the battalion coverage lost more than 25 years ago ensures faster command presence and safer operations across our more than 600 square miles. Through the strong partnership we’ve built with County Executive Klausmeier and her team, we’ve turned advocacy into action that will save lives and strengthen the fire department for years to come. On behalf of IAFF Local 1311, I am deeply grateful for her leadership.”
