New Fire Chief Nominee Would Bring 30 Years Of Experience To Baltimore County

Press release from Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski:

September 10, 2024

TOWSON, MD — Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski today nominated Joseph W. Dixon to serve as chief of the Baltimore County Fire Department.

Dixon brings more than three decades of firefighting and emergency response experience and would be Baltimore County’s first Black fire chief.

"Keeping our communities safe is among the most sacred responsibilities of local government, and finding the right person to lead the fire department and its valued members is critical to its success,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. "I look forward to Chief Dixon getting started in this position and carrying on the department’s legacy of excellence.”

A Maryland native, he began his career as a firefighter in the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services in 1993. Over the course of his nearly 25 years of service with that department, he progressed through the ranks to hold positions such as Assistant Fire/EMS Chief, Public Information Officer, Battalion Chief, Captain, and Emergency Services Instructor.

“I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve as the next leader for the Baltimore County Fire Department,” said Dixon. “I am confident that my new teammates will provide me with the support needed to hit the ground running and continue this department’s legacy of excellent service. Baltimore County residents deserve an all-hazards response organization that prioritizes safety. I look forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure that we can meet the ongoing mission and achieve a collective vision. A vision of a community centered department known for service excellence.”

He holds numerous certifications in the field of health & safety and has recently been appointed to the Fire Advisory Board of Waldorf University to serve as Chair of the Black Chief Officers Committee.

"Joseph Dixon is a highly respected and proven leader who has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the fire service community and all those he serves,” said John Butler, Fairfax County, VA Fire Chief, Vice President of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, and former Howard County Fire Chief. “His dedication to excellence as well as his exceptional mentorship leadership skills make him an ideal choice to lead the Baltimore County Fire Department. I have full confidence in his ability to ensure the highest standard of service and safety for the community."

Dixon will join the Baltimore County Fire Department, pending council approval, to replace Interim Chief Scott Ebbert who has served in the role since July 2024. Ebbert will continue to serve with the Baltimore County Fire Department in his previous position as Assistant Fire Chief.

"On behalf of all our residents, I thank Acting Chief Ebbert for his willingness to serve during this time of transition and we are deeply grateful for his dedication to the people of Baltimore County,” Olszewski said. “We are likewise glad to know this highly-respected veteran will continue to serve as a trusted senior leader within the department.”

Dixon’s nomination is subject to confirmation by an affirmative vote from a majority of the members of the County Council.

This press release was produced by Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. The views expressed here are the author’s own.