4-16-2026 4:48am

County Doubles Fire

Baltimore County Announces Funding to Strengthen Fire Department Responses to Critical Incidents

TOWSON — Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier announced that her FY2027 budget—which she will deliver tomorrow—includes approximately $3.4 million in funding to expand the number of battalion chiefs in the Baltimore County Fire Department. These new positions will strengthen staffing and improve the Department’s ability to respond to calls across the County by investing in personnel who play a critical role in emergency response by overseeing fire and EMS operations on scene and in real time.

With the allocation in the budget—which must be approved by the Baltimore County Council—the number of battalion chiefs will more than double through the addition of 12 battalion chiefs, the highest amount since 2000.

“The sooner these leaders are present during an emergency, the sooner they can ensure a scene is under control,” said Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier. “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.”

Battalion chiefs are responsible for establishing incident command at emergency scenes by directing firefighting and rescue teams and by coordinating multiple responding units while coordinating with police and EMS personnel. Their job is fundamental to ensuring firefighter and public safety. Battalion chiefs also oversee daily field operations across multiple stations and provide leadership during large-scale or complex incidents.

This investment strengthens public safety for everyone who lives, works, and visits Baltimore County,” said Baltimore County Fire Chief Joseph R. Dixon. “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.

“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,” said Fifth District Baltimore County Councilman David Marks.

As the County’s population and emergency call volume has continued to grow, battalion chiefs have been responsible for larger geographic areas.

“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,” said First District Baltimore County Councilman Pat Young. 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 investment reflects ongoing efforts to ensure the Fire Department is appropriately staffed at all levels to meet current and future service demands.

“Today marks a major step forward for Baltimore County firefighters and public safety,” said Local 1311 International Association of Firefighters President Steve Redmer. “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.”

The County Council is scheduled to vote on the proposed FY 2027 budget on May 21, 2026.