Department of Fire and Emergency Services Staffing Plan Becomes Reality
Westminster, MD, Thursday, March 27, 2025 – Carroll County Fire and Emergency Services continues to transition from an all-volunteer structure to a combined volunteer/career system where fire operations are run by both career and volunteer personnel, including 16 paramedic ambulances staffed by career employees of Carroll County Department of Fire Emergency Medical Services (DFEMS).
March of 2023 marked the hiring of the first EMS employees and two years later, March 2025 DFEMS hit another milestone by obtaining its goal of fully staffing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) at the 13 fire stations providing EMS. “A three-year plan was realized in two years thanks to the support of the Board of Commissioners (BoC), which enabled us to get the job done efficiently,” said Director of DFEMS, Chief Michael Robinson. “The collaboration between the BoC, Carroll County Volunteer Emergency Services Association (CCVESA), fire stations, DFEMS and the Carroll County Department of Human Resources allowed us to push through and fulfill our goal a year earlier than expected. “
Chief Robinson also added, “the Carroll County Department of Human Resources played an integral role in the planning and execution of the hiring plan. A special thank you to Human Resource Director, Kristy Bixler and her amazing team for supporting DFEMS efforts!”
Commissioner Michael Guerin is a non-voting member of the Emergency Services Advisory Council and is steadfast in his support of DFEMS. He noted, “the hard work and commitment of all involved in the formation of the department is to be applauded. Collaboration, teamwork and sweat equity brought this plan to fruition. The council, DFEMS staff and long-serving, dedicated volunteers continue to work together every day to ensure quality, consistent services are provided to the citizens of Carroll County.”
Next for DFMES is implementing procedures for EMS vehicles to begin carrying whole blood on calls and utilizing ultrasound technology in the field, as well as other improvements ensuring the highest quality of care is provided. Commissioner Kiler, President of the BoC shared, “the compromise, teamwork and dedication of all involved has produced results that will benefit Carroll County for years to come.”