Richard R. Bowers, Jr. has been named the Chief of the Montgomery County (MD) Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS). Bowers is a 32-year veteran of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, and he has filled and held every rank and leadership role in MCFRS, including the position of Acting Chief since October 2008, when the County's first and only Fire Chief Thomas W. Carr, Jr. retired. The position of County Fire Chief was established in 2005.
County Executive Isiah Leggett recently embarked on a nationwide search process for a new fire chief and noted, "Although we conducted an extensive nationwide search for fire chief, it is gratifying to know that our own interim chief beat all other competitors for the job," said Leggett. "Our residents should take comfort in knowing that Montgomery County's first class Fire and Rescue Service can only get better under the tutelage of such an experienced and highly-regarded leader in the fire and rescue field."
Bowers has long been committed to firefighter safety, wellness and training. Under his leadership, the County's Fire and Rescue Service has managed to facilitate the acquisition of 39 new state-of-the art fire engines designed with firefighter safety in mind. The delivery of these new units is ahead of schedule and at least 10 have already been placed into service in communities throughout the County. The engines are destined for each of the County's community-based fire stations within the next few months. In addition, three new heavy rescue squads, nine aerial tower and ladder trucks and several new EMS units and support vehicles have recently been placed into service, as well. This is one of the largest and most ambitious equipment deliveries and upgrades in the nation, and it includes significant training for all vehicle operators and users.
Chief Bowers is largely credited for some new efficiency and was instrumental in the oversight of significant reductions in MCFRS "Overtime" expenditures saving millions of dollars. There was a $3.5 million decline in MCFRS OT from CY07 to CY08 as was recently reported as part of CountyStat.
"I am humbled by the opportunity to carry out the County Executive's pursuit of a common good by helping to create safe streets and secure neighborhoods for our residents in healthy and sustainable communities," said Bowers. "It is extremely gratifying to work in one of the largest, internationally accredited, combination (career/volunteer) fire and rescue agencies in the United States. Montgomery County has some of the most dedicated and skilled firefighters and emergency medical personnel in the world, and I am proud of their injury and fire prevention work as well as their responses to more than 100,000 emergency incidents a year."
Bowers finished first in his 1977 recruit class, and was named "Firefighter of the Year" in 1985. He is well respected by peers and possesses strong organizational, communication and customer service skills. His first initiative as Interim Fire Chief several months ago was to direct all firefighters to engage in communities as part of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) "Safety in Our Neighborhoods" campaign. To date, 25,000 homes have been visited and about 650 smoke alarms and nearly 800 batteries have been installed or replaced.
Some of Bowers' other accomplishments include development and expansion of overall MCFRS training and education. Bowers:
- Was instrumental in opening the MCFRS Command Development Center, a unique training facility and one of only a few in the United States;
- Oversaw and coordinated many firefighter fitness & wellness initiatives, including supporting the opening of the Fire /Rescue Occupational Medical Services (MCFRS medical facility/clinic);
- Is a proponent of driver training and safety programs to reduce frequency of collisions and personal injury;
- Formalized and expanded MCFRS safety programs while at the same time also served as the regional coordinator and safety advocate for the National Fallen Fire Fighters Foundation 'Everybody Goes Home Program'
- Is a strong advocate of community outreach and risk reduction, fire safety education and injury prevention programs.
- Coordinated efforts to open a new community based fire station in the Germantown area (FS22). . The Germantown/Kingsview fire and rescue station is the first completely new fire and rescue station with expanded emergency service to be built in Montgomery County in over 25 years.
The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service operate with a budget of $190 million and are comprised of more than 2,000 career and volunteer personnel. There are more than 40 fire and rescue facilities, including a 56-acre training academy, a modern communications facility, and 34 community fire and rescue stations strategically located across the County's 495 miles which are adjacent to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
Bowers' appointment was confirmed by the County Council on May 12, 200 9. He will be sworn-in on May 19, 2009.