Fire Chief Mark Dalton told Town Council members this week that Frederick County’s fire chief could become the leader of the county's 11 volunteer fire departments.
Dalton, reacting to a county study about the county's fire and rescue department’s operations, deployment and staffing, said Frederick County would have authority over how the volunteer department would spend the department’s funds, including the town’s share of funding and the donations that the department receives from fundraisers like its dinners and bingo night. The county would also have the ability to use volunteer department resources, such as equipment and fire engines.
Dalton said he has concerns with the report. “I think it’s best for the citizens for Middletown to retain control of its fire and rescue company," Dalton told council members during the council work session on Monday.
He noted that the volunteers have run their town department since 1942. "It’s been a good way to do things,” he said, adding that he believes in a combination fire and rescue system.