On Tuesday, the Montgomery County Council unanimously confirmed the appointment of former Alexandria Fire Chief and Prince George’s County Deputy Fire Chief Corey Smedley to serve as the new chief of the county’s Fire and Rescue Service.
Smedley began his public safety career over 33 years ago, serving in the U.S. Army Reserve and later joining the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department, where he moved up the ranks to deputy fire chief. In 2015, he joined the Alexandria Fire Department as the deputy chief of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, then became the assistant chief and ultimately assumed the role of Alexandria’s Fire/EMS chief.
According to a county press release, Smedley will be the first fire chief not promoted from within the Fire and Rescue Service and the county’s first Black fire chief.
“I appreciate the County Council’s unanimous approval of the nomination of Corey Smedley as the new chief of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service,” said County Executive Elrich. “Corey Smedley, with his distinguished service and leadership in the Prince George’s County Fire Department and as chief of the City of Alexandria’s Fire Department, brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision for the future of MCFRS. His commitment to fostering strong relationships within the fire service and our communities is evident, and under his leadership, we will continue our work to support, improve and innovate in our fire and rescue services. It is a historic moment for our County as Corey Smedley becomes the first Black fire chief in MCFRS history. I look forward to swearing him in as our next chief.”
Elrich nominated Smedley for fire chief, and the County Council received the nomination on May 29. Smedley had a public interview with the County Council on June 25 and underwent a confirmation vote on Tuesday this week.
I am grateful to @MoCoCouncilMD for confirming Corey Smedley as our new Fire Chief this morning. His wealth of experience and dedication to public safety will greatly benefit our community. I look forward to working together. pic.twitter.com/AjgzmDop9l
— County Exec Marc Elrich (@MontCoExec) July 9, 2024
Smedley describes his leadership style as supportive and aims to inspire the next generation of fire service leaders to advance the industry.
“I want to thank County Executive Elrich and County Council for their faith in me to serve and ensure the safety of Maryland’s largest county. I am honored and grateful for this unique opportunity to become a part of this incredible organization. I will be joining a great department and gaining some amazing colleagues in the first responders, volunteers and civilians who make up the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service,” said Chief Smedley. “I share in the organization’s vision ‘to enhance public safety and support quality of life’ through community engagement, outreach and education. With these guiding principles, we can move forward together to improve the organization and continue providing the best service to the community.”
Smedley will assume his new role on July 15, taking over duties from interim fire chiefs Gary Cooper and John Kinsley and former chief Scott Goldstein, who retired after eight years as fire chief in June of last year.
Montgomery County Photo