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Veterans, County Fire Officials Describe Path from Military Service to Baltimore County Fire Department
Summary
Four Baltimore County public safety personnel described military service, family traditions in public safety and urged veterans and immigrants to consider careers in the Baltimore County Fire Department, stressing camaraderie and long‑term opportunity.
Battalion Chief Ed Schwartz Jr. and three other public safety members described military backgrounds and encouraged veterans to consider careers with the Baltimore County Fire Department.
Schwartz said he has served in the Baltimore County Fire Department for 22 years and in the Air National Guard for just over 27 years. "The best advice I can do is just jump in," he said, adding that many veterans already work in the department and that it is "a very tight‑knit, family‑type affair." Schwartz identified himself as a third‑generation firefighter, saying his grandfather served in Baltimore City and his father and several uncles served in Baltimore County.
Joseph Koslowski, a probationary member of the Baltimore County Fire Department who served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2010 to 2014, said his family’s long history of military service influenced his decision to continue in public service. "I found my sense of calling again," Koslowski said, describing the fire service as the camaraderie he missed after leaving the military.
Fire Specialist Matthew Chesney, of Engine Company 4 in Catonsville, said he served seven years in the Navy and has worked in the county for 11 years. Chesney framed his work as part of a family tradition: he said his father served 30 years in the fire department and that he is a second‑generation Baltimore County employee.
Officer Sawick, who identified himself as a longtime Baltimore County police officer, recounted prior Army service in Bosnia and Kosovo, and said he is currently a sergeant first class in the U.S. Army Reserves based at Fort Meade. Sawick described coming to the U.S. as a child and said public service let him pursue a lifelong desire to serve. "People talk about the American dream. I'm living it," he said.
The participants emphasized that military experience can translate to county public safety careers and repeatedly flagged camaraderie, shared mission and opportunities for advancement as reasons for veterans to apply. The session consisted of personal testimonies and recruitment‑oriented advice rather than formal county action; no motions or votes were recorded.
Next steps: the speakers encouraged interested veterans and community members to contact Baltimore County Fire Department recruiting channels for more information.
