Commissioners table fire marshal job description after volunteer departments request input

The Washington County Commissioners Court on March 18 tabled consideration of a proposed job description for a county fire marshal and agreed to set a workshop after representatives of volunteer fire departments asked for a seat at the discussion.

County staff presented the job description as aligned with statute and reviewed by the county attorney, but staff noted one correction: a fourth bullet under essential duties that referenced coordinating EMS services should be removed because EMS coordination is managed by a separate director. A commissioner moved to table the item so all parties, including volunteer fire departments, could discuss the draft; the motion carried on a voice vote.

Tim Hoff, assistant chief for Rocky Creek Volunteers and the Firefighter Association’s public information officer, told the court the association wanted meaningful input. “They would just like to request to have a little input on this,” Hoff said. He said several fire chiefs first saw the description only a few nights earlier: “That’s the first time that 9 of the 10 fire chiefs had actually seen it.” Hoff asked for an opportunity for a casual conversation and follow-up meetings so volunteer departments could help craft the description.

County staff acknowledged prior conversations had occurred informally and agreed to coordinate a workshop that would accommodate volunteer chiefs’ schedules. The court’s motion to table directs staff to arrange follow-up meetings and a workshop so stakeholders can review the draft before the court takes further action.

The item will return to the court after the scheduled workshop and further consultation with volunteer fire departments.