Future First Responders: The Current State of Recruitment & Retention

Recruiting and retaining first responders of any type is an increasing challenge nationally. Hear from panelists about the current landscape and road ahead. 

During the 2023 and 2024 legislative sessions, MACo took on the mantel of supporting first responder recruitment and retention efforts. The bulk of that work focused on firefighters and EMS, but finding the labor to staff emergency response departments generalling is becoming an increasing challenge. MACo’s Future First Responders: The Current State of Recruitment & Retention panel delves deep into the challenges and solutions to Maryland’s first responder problem.

Description: For decades, the number of individuals starting careers as a first responder (EMS, fire, or police) has declined considerably. Historically these positions were competitive, but increasingly, counties are unable to fill their ranks. The 2023 Commission to Advance & Strengthen Firefighting & EMS in Maryland pointed to historic decreases in recruitment and retention, with trends projected to only get worse. Hear from experts about the headwinds currently facing Maryland’s first responders, and what state and local leaders can do to keep residents safe.

Speakers:

  • Tom Coe, Fire Chief, Frederick County
  • Bob Phillips, Maryland State Firemen’s Association
  • Robert McCullough, Police Chief, Baltimore County Police Chief
  • Melony G. Griffith, President & CEO, Maryland Hospital Association
  • Anthony Rosano, Director, Division of Emergency Management, Frederick County

Moderator: The Honorable Dana Jones, Maryland House of Delegates

Date/Time: Thursday, August 15, 2024; 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

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