Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich Nominates Corey Smedley to Lead County Fire and Rescue Service

For Immediate Release: Friday, May 31, 2024

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich has nominated former City of Alexandria fire chief and former Prince George’s County deputy fire chief Corey Smedley to become the County’s next fire chief. If approved by the County Council, Smedley would become the first fire chief who was not promoted from within the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) and the County’s first African-American fire chief. 

Watch the recap of the County Executive's announcement here: Fire Chief Nominee Announcement  

"Corey Smedley has the ideal combination of skills to lead Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) forward and keep our community safe," said County Executive Elrich. "I believe that we have found someone who brings the right mix of experience and passion to continue the level of excellence this department has exhibited for nearly two decades. Corey is a leader who recognizes the importance of bonding with the community he serves and the first responders he leads. He has been a successful leader with fire departments in Maryland and Virginia."

 

Smedley began his public safety career more than 33 years ago, serving in the U.S. Army Reserve. He later joined the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department, where he moved up the ranks to the position of deputy fire chief. In 2015, he joined the Alexandria Fire Department as the deputy chief of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Smedley later became the assistant chief and ultimately assumed the role of Alexandria's Fire/EMS chief. 

County Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Earl Stoddard commended the nomination of Smedley.  

"Montgomery County has one of the largest and most well-respected Fire Rescue Service departments in the country since it became a County department in 2005," said Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Stoddard. "For nearly two decades, this department has responded to major disasters, helping to save lives and stabilize communities in this County and around the world. I have known and worked with Corey for more than a decade. We believe Corey Smedley is the right person to lead Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service to enable the department to continue to face those challenges effectively and safely. We also want to thank our Interim Fire Chiefs Gary Cooper and John Kinsley before him for their support and service to the County and this department." 

Throughout his tenure as Alexandria’s chief, Smedley strived for success by aligning the expectations of the community with the priorities of the department. Just as his career has been continuous in its progression, he applied that philosophy to the department starting it on a journey of continuous improvement through the accreditation process, enhanced staffing levels and creating a conscientiously robust health and safety program. That program included cancer screenings. He also revitalized the volunteer system and shepherded the inaugural collective bargaining agreement with the International Association of Fire Fighters.

"A key component of my leadership style is to support others in their professional development journey to become leaders," said Smedley. "My goal is to create a cadre of future leaders within the fire service that will help the industry focus on forecasting the change that is needed and for those leaders to be the next trailblazers.  I cherish the opportunity to serve alongside my fellow civilians, firefighters, paramedics and volunteers, witnessing their growth and success."

Smedley’s nomination was transmitted to the County Council on Wednesday, May 29. The Executive Branch will work with the County Council to schedule a public interview for Smedley. If he successfully completes the interview process, he will move on for a formal vote by the County Council.

The County’s new fire chief will be tasked with ensuring that MCFRS continues to evolve and improve while ensuring the safety and security of all residents and nearly 2,700 certified and trained career and volunteer responders. 

# # #  

 

Release ID: 24-253
Media Contact: Scott Peterson 202-277-9412, Earl Stoddard 240-994-0144
Categories: Executive Office, Public Safety