Montgomery County Council Confirms Corey Smedley as County Fire and Rescue Service Chief

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, July 9, 2024

The Montgomery County Council today unanimously confirmed the appointment of former City of Alexandria fire chief and former Prince George’s County Deputy Fire Chief Corey Smedley to serve as the new chief of the County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS). Smedley will become the first fire chief who was not promoted from within the MCFRS and the County’s first Black fire chief. Smedley will assume his new role on July 15, taking over duties from interim fire chiefs Gary Cooper and John Kinsley.

"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."

County Executive Elrich’s nomination of Smedley for fire chief was transmitted to the County Council on Wednesday, May 29. The County Council held a public interview with Smedley on June 25 and had a confirmation vote on July 9.

Smedley describes his leadership style as supportive. He aims to inspire the next generation of fire service leaders and 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 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.

While serving as Alexandria's fire chief, Smedley worked to align the community's needs and expectations with the department's priorities. He applied a philosophy of continuous improvement through the accreditation process, enhanced staffing levels and created a conscientiously robust health and safety program, which included cancer screenings for first responders. Smedley also revitalized the volunteer system and shepherded the inaugural collective bargaining agreement with the International Association of Fire Fighters.

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Release ID: 24-310
Media Contact: Scott Peterson 202-277-9412, Earl Stoddard 240-994-0144
Categories: Public Safety