Montgomery County Maryland Fire And Rescue Services .

1A.3The agency has a methodology to monitor and track applicable local,state/provincial, and federal requirement changes.DescriptionEach year the Fire Chief assigns a staff-level chief officer to attend the Maryland House ofDelegates when in session. The Maryland State House of Delegates holds briefings everyFriday during these sessions. The assigned chief officer attends these sessions inAnnapolis to keep abreast of the pending legislation that could affect the fire-rescueservice in Maryland and specifically Montgomery County. The County Executive's Officeas well as the County Council have a joint team of personnel that attend as well.AppraisalMCFRS has had many successful efforts in lobbying for and securing legislation that hasimproved risk reduction services and programs for the citizens we are sworn to protect.The last notable legislation was the passage of the new Maryland Smoke Detector Lawthat became effective January 1, 2018. This legislation requires that all battery-operatedsmoke alarms in use in Maryland be replaced with 10-year, sealed battery units, thusreducing the “dead battery syndrome” that MCFRS has encountered in previous yearsthrough its home inspection program.PlanThe plan is to continue with our current approach of teaming with our partners withinCounty Government to continue lobbying our legislators to pass regulations and laws thatbenefit our citizens by reducing risk associated with fire dynamics and cardiac arrest.ReferencesNew Smoke Alarm Law4

1A.4The governing body of the agency periodically reviews and approves servicesand programs.DescriptionMontgomery County Code requires that the Fire Chief must draft a master fire, rescue,and emergency medical services plan and must propose any appropriate amendments tothe Executive and Council. The Fire, Rescue, Emergency Medical Services andCommunity Risk Reduction Master Plan (Master Plan) contains all of the MCFRSservices and programs. The Master Plan is currently on a six-year cycle and at the end ofeach cycle the governing body must review and approve the new plan.AppraisalDuring the rating period (last five years since the last accreditation) MCFRS submitted acompletely updated master plan, which was fully vetted first through community commentand approved by the County Council.PlanMCFRS will continue using the current process for monitoring successes andopportunities within the department. The current master plan will sunset in 2022 and thedepartment’s planning manager will develop a replacement plan per Section 21-12 of theCounty Code by that time.ReferencesMontgomery County Code Chapter 21, Section 12 (requirement to produce a Master Plan)Master Plan 2016 - 20225

1A.5The method used to select the agency’s chief fire officer/chief executive officerincludes evaluation of candidate qualifications and credentials.DescriptionThe process for selecting a Fire Chief for MCFRS is dictated by several sections of theMontgomery County Code. This process is managed by the County's ChiefAdministrative Officer under direction of the County Executive. They select the candidateand then present that selection for confirmation by the County Council.AppraisalMCFRS has had four different individuals serve as County Fire Chief and each wasselected as described above. Each of these individuals were among the best qualified andhighest trained in the industry and have served with distinction within the current MCFRSstructure.PlanMontgomery County will continue to utilize the current process for hiring the Fire Chiefposition going forward as it is the current code requirement. The County does not see aneed to make any changes at this time.ReferencesMontgomery County Personnel Regulations Section 6Montgomery County MC Code 2 39ACharter 215 and 216MCFRS Fire Chief Position Description6

1A.6The role and composition of various policy making, planning, and special purposebodies are defined by the governing body in an organization chart.DescriptionBill 36-03 enacted in 2004 created one uniform fire chief for the Montgomery County FireRescue Service. Section 21-3 of the Montgomery County Code states that the Fire Chief isthe uniformed department head of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service andhas all the powers of a department director. The Chief has full authority over all fire,rescue, and emergency services in the County. The Chief must implement County law,regulations, and policies to effectively administer the Fire and Rescue Service.Each Division Chief of MCFRS is responsible to monitor policies, regulations and ordersin their sections; to add, delete or promulgate new policies to meet current federal, Stateand local/County laws; and to report those proposals to the Fire Chief for his/her approval.Each Section Chief under his/her Division Chief is responsible to report on currentpolicies and recommendations periodically throughout the year. This is illustrated in theMCFRS organizational flow chart.AppraisalMCFRS has been mandated by County Code Chapter 21-2 to interact and collaborate withthe Fire and Emergency Services Commission (FECS). The responsibilities of thisCommission have been outlined within the aforementioned County Code and were placedwithin the MCFRS Master Plan. The Fire Chief or his designee, during the rating period,routinely met with the Commission as mandated as well as County Citizen AdvisoryBoards. The Commission (FESC, Policy & Legislation) has been included in the org chart.PlanMCFRS will continue to abide by County Law/Code requiring collaboration with theFESC and other community stakeholders.7

ReferencesBill 36-03County Code Section 21-3 (see PDF page 8)Document Supporting 9th Edition FESSAM PI 2D.10 Interacts with External Stakeholdersand AHJMCFRS Org ChartCounty Stat Fire Chief Performance PlanMaster Plan 2016 - 2022 (see Section 2 Pages 17 and 18)8

1A.7The governing body or designated authority approves the organizational structurethat carries out the agency’s mission.DescriptionChapter 21 of the County Code specifically stipulates and defines the organizationalstructure of the fire service in the County, but it allows for the Fire Chief to determinehow many divisions and sections he or she sees fit to properly achieve the goals andobjectives of the department.The Chief is mandated to implement County law, regulations, and policies to effectivelyadminister the Fire and Rescue Service. The Fire Chief has been given full authority overall fire, rescue, and emergency medical services in the County.The Fire Chief engages with his/her Division Chiefs on a bi-weekly basis to discuss allpertinent and current issues which pertain to the overall operational and administrativefunctions of the organization. During these meeting, any proposed polices, orders, andpolicies are vetted for accuracy, financial impact and implementation. Once the items areapproved, and if they fall under the County collective bargaining agreements, theproposals will be advertised, as required, through the process as required by law.AppraisalThe department has followed the requirements of County Code, Chapter 21-3, whichdescribes the Fire Chief as the uniformed department head of the Montgomery CountyFire and Rescue Service, having all the powers of a department director. The Chief hasamended and improved the effectiveness of the department through the chain-of-commandand his/her organizational chart, which is designed to address the on-going needs of thedepartment and effectively carry out its mission.PlanThe MCFRS will continue to follow County Code, Section 21-3 as it pertains to approvingthe organizational structure that allows for the agency’s mission to be met.9

ReferenceMontgomery County Code Chapter 2110

1A.8The governing body has policies to preclude individual participation of governingboard members and staff in actions involving possible conflict of interest.DescriptionMontgomery County Government maintains a conflict of interest law in Chapter 19A,Public Ethics Law, Article III. Conflicts of Interest. This law pertains to all merit systememployees and volunteers of the local fire and rescue departments in Montgomery County.AppraisalThe Fire Chief, Division Chiefs and the chain-of-command officers have continuouslymonitored the work force and instilled in them the requirement to adhere to the CountyPublic Ethics Law. The law requires all individuals to apply for and be granted approvalby the Fire Chief for any request for outside employment that may be related to their jobdescription within the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS).PlanThe Fire Chief will continue to follow the requirements outlined in Chapter 19A – PublicEthics Law and emphasize to all personnel in the MCFRS the importance of following theconflicts of interest law when seeking alternative employment opportunities or whenconsidering appointments to boards or commissions that may have a connection with fireand rescue service classifications.ReferencesMontgomery County Code Chapter 19A - Public Ethics Law11

1A.9A communication process is in place between the governing body and theadministrative structure of the agency.DescriptionThe communication process between the County Executive and the Fire Chief is outlinedin the Montgomery County Code. The Fire Chief reports to the Chief AdministrativeOfficer (CAO) within the Office of the County Executive. The Fire Chief and the CAOmeet regularly to discuss high level issues facing the department.AppraisalThe Fire Chief has met regularly with the County Executive’s staff and departmentdirectors to meet the expectations of the County Executive. The Fire Chief hascommunicated regularly with the County Executive and Chief Administrative Officer(CAO) by email, phone or through meetings to perform his/her duties as prescribed by theCounty Charter. This communication process has worked well and to the benefit of boththe Fire Chief and these County officials comprising the governing body.PlanThe County Executive and CAO will continue communicating their expectations to theFire Chief concerning policy decisions, the budget, and his/her desires to enhance fire andrescue services with new facilities, apparatus, personnel, and related needs for theMCFRS. Concurrently, the Fire Chief will continue regular communication with theCounty Executive, CAO and fellow department heads to discuss MCFRS needs, policiesand emergent issues or concerns.ReferencesMontgomery County Code Chapter 2112

1A.10 The governing body publishes a mission statement.DescriptionThe mission statement of Montgomery County Government, as published by the CountyExecutive’s Office, is as follows:We pursue the common good by working for and with Montgomery County’s diversecommunity members to provide: A Responsive and Accountable County Government Affordable Housing in an Inclusive Community An Effective and Efficient Transportation Network Children Prepared to Live and Learn Healthy and Sustainable Communities Safe Streets and Secure Neighborhoods A Strong and Vibrant Economy Vital Living for All of Our ResidentsMCFRS personnel, as dedicated public servants, strive to embody in their work thefollowing essential values that go together with the County’s mission statement: Collaboration Inclusiveness Knowledge Competence Innovation Respect for the Individual Fiscal Prudence Integrity TransparencyMCFRS works collaboratively with its law enforcement partners to ensure “Safe Streetsand Secure Neighborhoods.” MCFRS’ published mission statement is as follows:13

To protect lives, property and the environment with comprehensive risk reductionprograms and safe and effective emergency response provided by highly skilled careerand volunteer service providers representing the County’s diverse population.MCFRS has its own set of values (a.k.a., guiding principles) that complement theCounty’s essential values as follows: Deliver services to our customers with impartiality and excellencePromote the highest standards of safety and welfareServe with integrity and mutual respectPromote the efficient and effective utilization of our resourcesPromote the efficient and effective utilization of our resourcesContinuously improve our skills and capabilitiesBe responsible for the honor of our profession and public serviceRecognize the importance of diversity of our workforce and communitiesPromote equity and harmony among career and volunteer personnelMaintain and promote open honest communication, creativity, and competenceContinuously improve public confidence and trustBe accountable and ethicalAppraisalThe MCFRS, through the Fire Chief’s leadership, has successfully supported theMontgomery County Government’s mission statement and values, as well as its ownmission statement and guiding principles. This success has occurred through thedepartment’s everyday services/programs and interactions with its customers.PlanThe plan is to continue supporting and following the County’s published missionstatement and essential values as well as following our own agency mission statement andguiding principles that are published in the MCFRS Master nment/missionStatement.html2016-2022 Master Plan, Section 2, pages 2 and 314

Criterion 1B: Agency AdministrationThe organizational structure aligns with or supports the agency’s mission, purposes, goals,strategies, and objectives.Summary:The Fire Chief has developed an organizational structure that is designed to manage themajor areas of focus in the department. There are five divisions, each Division is led by aDivision Chief with subordinate uniform and civilian personnel to carry out the assignedareas of the department. Each Division Chief reports directly to the Fire Chief.3

Performance Indicators:CC1B.1The administrative structure reflects the agency’s mission, goals,objectives, size, and complexity.DescriptionMCFRS is structured into five divisions under a single Fire Chief. These divisions arestaffed to manage the challenges and opportunities before the department. Each of thedivision’s responsibilities are outlined in the Master Plan. The approved Master Planconfirms the appropriate administrative structure for this agency.AppraisalThe Master Plan was completed and approved per County Code. The County Government,i.e., Authority Having Jurisdiction, has approved the Master Plan and subsequently theagency’s administrative structure. During the rating period, the Fire Chief undertook a“mini-restructuring” of MCFRS to better align with the ever-changing complexity of itsmission, goals, objectives and responsibilities. Through past biweekly Division Chiefsmeetings, the restructuring effort have been confirmed to improve managerial efficiencies.PlanThe plan is to continue what the agency is doing. This process has brought to ourdepartment steady improvements over time. This process has also provided forconstructive budget planning in restrictive budget cycles.ReferencesOrg ChartDivision/Section Goals and Objectives2016-2022 Master Plan (see Division Responsibilities beginning on PDF page 48 / paperpage 2-8)MCFRS CFAI 2017 Annual Compliance Report (see beginning on PDF page 50)4

1B.2Financial, equipment, and personnel resource allocation reflects the agency’smission, goals, and objectives.DescriptionMCFRS is provided with a budget derived from tax funds, Emergency Medical ServiceTransport Fees, grant funding and citizen donations. These resources provide for fundingof personnel and equipment to meet the challenges of the vision and mission statements ofthe department. The Fire Chief is responsible for submitting an annual requested budget tothe County Executive through the County’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB).The Fire Chief leverages the approved Master Plan and annual Strategic Plans to guide theformulation of the most critical needs and goals.AppraisalThe approved Master Plan and the agency’s annual Strategic Plan and planning processeshave proven to be an invaluable asset to agency leadership in projecting budget, resourceallocations and requests, and tying everything to its mission, goals, and objectives.During the last few years, and in-line with Department critical initiatives outlined in theMaster Plan, multiple enhancements have been realized through effective utilization ofresources.PlanMCFRS will continue to utilize the Master Plan and the annual Strategic Planningprocesses to bring focus to the most critical initiatives requiring priority resourceallocation while always focusing on its mission, goals, and objectives.ReferencesMCFRS Approved FY18 Operating Budget DocumentMaster Plan (Goals and Objectives, Section 2, beginning on PDF page 42 / paper pages 22 through 2-5 and Initiatives beginning on PDF page 179 / and on paper pages 6-1 through6-39)Master Plan Appendix HMaster Plan Appendix I5

2018 Strategic PlanFY18 Operating Budget and FY17-FY22 Proposed Capital Improvements Program WorkSession6

1B.3Personnel functions, roles, and responsibilities are defined in writing and a currentorganization chart exists that includes the agency’s relationship to the governingbody.DescriptionThe Montgomery County Fire Chief position and responsibilities are dictated in Chapter21 of the Code. This was discussed during the self-assessment within performanceindicator 1A.5. The Fire Chief has the authority to determine the adequate resourcestaffing needed for the agency to meet its mandate

The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service is a legally established public service under County Code. The Montgomery County Council, under the County Charter, Section 101 as well as Part II, Chapter 21 provides for the adequate d