Baltimore County is poised to witness a potential historic change in its Fire Department leadership. County Executive Johnny Olszewski has named Joseph W. Dixon as the nominee for the position of fire chief, a move that could make him the first Black chief in the department's history. With over thirty years in firefighting, Dixon's experience speaks for itself, as detailed by Baltimore County Government.
Dixon's career highlights include ascending through various ranks, from starting as a firefighter in Howard County to becoming the Assistant Fire/EMS Chief. His journey, marked by service and leadership, began in 1993. According to the official statement on the county's governmental website, Olszewski noted Dixon as the right fit for maintaining "the department’s legacy of excellence."
In a demonstration of humility and readiness, Dixon showed confidence in the support of his future team to uphold the department's standard for service excellence, "Baltimore County residents deserve an all-hazards response organization that prioritizes safety," Dixon expressed in a statement obtained by the Baltimore County government's news release. His intentions are clear: to work collaboratively with stakeholders and continue the department's commitment to safety and service.
If approved by the County Council, Dixon will take over from Interim Chief Scott Ebbert, who has been in the role since July 2024. Ebbert will return to his position as Assistant Fire Chief. Dixon's appointment is pending a majority vote from the County Council, which would finalize his new role in the Baltimore County Fire Department.
