Montgomery County residents interested in building safety and emergency accessibility will find valuable insights in the latest episode of the Department of Permitting Services podcast. The episode, named "Building Safety: Fire Department Access," dives into the inner workings of how the County ensures firefighters and EMTs have unhindered access to structures in times of crisis.
During the podcast, DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas hosts a conversation with Plan Reviewer Marie LaBaw. With experience spanning both active fire department service and her current role focusing on safety planning, LaBaw offers a perspective that bridges hands-on know-how with regulatory acumen. Explaining her obligations, she said, "My job is to make sure that fire trucks can get where they need to and the ambulances can get to buildings, and we can provide services to the residents, the occupants and the businesses," as reported by the county's official website.
The recent podcast episode also traces LaBaw's professional journey, connecting dots from her tenure with the fire service to the behind-the-scenes efforts at DPS. Specializing in structural engineering, LaBaw brings an important set of skills to her role, along with her contribution to Maryland’s Urban Search and Rescue team, which is particularly crucial in disaster scenarios.
The DPS's comprehensive portfolio of podcasts can be accessed through various platforms such as Amazon, Apple, Spotify, and YouTube, all linked from the DPS website. Episodes cover an array of topics from septic systems to urban farming, providing a wealth of information for county residents. The department also encourages the public to engage, offering a direct line for questions or suggestions through email at [email protected].
For those looking for more information or personal interaction, the DPS office doors are open weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2425 Reedie Drive in Wheaton, and no appointment is necessary for a visit. Alternatively, customers can reach out via a phone call to MC 311 or 240-777-0311.
