In a historic ceremony, Joseph Dixon was sworn in as the new Fire Chief of Baltimore County, marking a significant milestone as he becomes the first African American to hold the position. The event, attended by county officials and community members, highlighted Dixon's extensive experience and commitment to public safety, which spans nearly three decades.

County Executive Johnny Olszewski emphasized the importance of this appointment, noting that Dixon's leadership will guide the Baltimore County Fire Department into a new era of community safety. Olszewski praised Dixon's track record, which includes leadership roles in Howard County and Goldsboro, North Carolina, where he modernized emergency response operations.

Dixon's appointment comes at a time when the Baltimore County Fire Department is facing increasing demands, having responded to over 150,000 incidents in the past year alone, including more than 104,000 emergency medical service calls. The county's fire and rescue services are critical, and the new chief is expected to enhance these capabilities while fostering a culture of diversity and respect within the department.

Chairman of the Baltimore County Council, Izzy Patoka, also spoke at the event, underscoring the significance of having a capable leader like Dixon at the helm, especially in times of crisis. He expressed confidence in Dixon's ability to navigate future emergencies, whether they be natural disasters or public health crises.

As Dixon takes on his new role, he expressed gratitude for the support of his family and colleagues, acknowledging the hard work of the department's staff. He is poised to lead the Baltimore County Fire Department with a focus on innovation and community engagement, ensuring that the department continues to provide world-class emergency services to the county's 850,000 residents.