Baltimore County marked a significant moment in its history with the swearing-in of its first African American fire chief, Joseph Dixon. The ceremony took place yesterday, and Dixon took over the reins of the Baltimore County Fire Department. A native of Baltimore, Dixon brings deep experience to the job, having begun his firefighting career in 1993 in Howard County. His resume includes a recent stint as the chief of Gainesville Fire Rescue in Florida.
The county's new fire chief is determined to uphold and push forward the standard of excellence within the department. "To career, uniform, and civilian and volunteer personnel that make up Baltimore County Fire Department, we are in this together and we will excel together. Our standard will be the standard. There are no shortcuts to excellence and accountability of the must," Dixon said, as reported by WMAR-2 News. His ascension to this role is notable as it follows the retirement of Joanne Rund, who herself was a trailblazer as the department's first female chief.
Executive Johnny Olszewski had nominated Dixon following a nationwide search after Chief Joanne Rund retired in July. Rund had set a precedent, serving the department with distinction as its first female chief since 2019. Reflecting on his appointment, Dixon, a seasoned professional with more than three decades of service, is recognized for his varied roles, including assistant fire/EMS chief and public information officer, among others, according to WBALTV.
The swearing-in event signifies a fresh chapter for the Baltimore County Fire Department. Dixon will take over from interim chief Scott Ebbert, who has served since Rund stepped down.
