Top US Fire Departments: Maryland Counties Lead Rankings, Eric Grimes Promoted, Fallowfield Resignations, and Sam Gutwill Graduates
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service in Maryland, along with departments in Prince George’s County, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, Frederick County, Howard County, Fairfax County, and Loudoun County, rank among the largest career and volunteer combination fire and rescue departments in the nation. The service highlighted this operational model that blends professional and volunteer responders.
#DYK @MontgomeryCoMD @mcfrs @mcvfra along w/ @PGFDNews @BaltCoFire @AACoFD @FCDFRS @HCDFRS in Maryland & @ffxfirerescue @LoudounFire in VA are some of the largest Career/Volunteer ‘Combination’ Fire/Rescue Departments in the Nation https://t.co/2FMVJrDwHc
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) December 18, 2025
West Metro Fire-Rescue District swore in Assistant Chief Eric Grimes to his new leadership role. The department confirmed his dedication to the responsibilities ahead.
As many of you know, Assistant Chief Eric Grimes was sworn in last week into his new role at West Metro Fire. He wanted all of you to know he is taking the job very seriously. That is all. 🫡🫡🫡 https://t.co/6D8zMvApVX
— West Metro Fire-Rescue District (@wmfrd) December 18, 2025
In Fallowfield, the fire chief and additional members resigned from their positions at the department. The United States First Responders Association reported the development.
Fallowfield fire chief, others resign from department https://t.co/jk28cFGMWI https://t.co/Ccon3xKbJf
— USFRA.org (@usfraorg) December 18, 2025
Sam Gutwill, a firefighter from the North department, completed training and graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy.
North firefighter Sam Gutwill graduates from Mass Firefighting Academy
https://t.co/j30Mt2UFXw— North Star Reporter (@NStarReporter) December 18, 2025
San Francisco Fire Department transitioned its entire fleet to non-PFAS turnout gear, marking it the largest such adoption in the country, supported by a federal grant and department funds. Rural volunteer fire departments report rising software costs from private equity buyouts of essential service providers, straining operations. Portland Fire and Rescue updated high-rise fire plans based on lessons from recent international high-rise incidents.
