A series of recent events involving the County’s firefighting personnel have put the department under unusual scrutiny.
Volunteer Arrested
On Thursday, a volunteer emergency medical technician assigned to the Bethesda Chevy Chase Rescue Squad was arrested. Fairfax County Police charged Christopher Dudley on multiple counts of aggravated sexual battery and indecent liberties with a minor.
Dudley’s arrest marks the fourth incident that Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service officials have been dealing with this month.
On Monday, Montgomery County Fire Chief Corey Smedley issued a statement. “We are working collaboratively with the Bethesda Chevy Chase Rescue Squad (BCCRS). While the investigation is ongoing, Mr. Dudley has been placed on involuntary administrative leave, and he is suspended from all MCFRS and BCCRS facilities, activities, and systems.”
This is an active investigation being led by Fairfax County Police.
Flooded Ballfield
Other investigations concerning the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) personnel include a July 17 incident in which Silver Spring Fire Station 16 personnel discharged a powerful water spray onto the adjoining Montgomery Blair High School baseball field.
As a result, Thursday night’s Silver Spring Takoma Thunderbolts game was cancelled.
According to a post on the Thunderbolts website, Dylan Schmidt wrote, “During batting practice yesterday, the Thunderbolts hit a ball over the fence, and it landed on a pickup truck parked by the fire station. That prompted gallons of water to be sprayed over the fence from a firehose, whether it was intentional or not, won’t be speculated. The water created a relatively large puddle in left-center and made the field conditions unplayable.”
Damaged Firetruck
In a third incident, county officials continue to investigate a mishap during July 19’s heavy rainstorm. On a rescue mission a fire truck was driven into deep standing water causing considerable damage.
County Executive Marc Elrich said that “was not standard operating practice,” adding the incident is “definitely under investigation.”
Assistant County Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Earl Stoddard said the fire apparatus cost about $500,000. But as of last week, he had not yet received information on how badly it was damaged.
“I did not get the impression” that the fire engine was totaled, he said.
Social Media Slur
In yet another incident involving fire personnel, the county is investigating “an inappropriate comment made by an MCFRS employee on a social media post” of the Montgomery County Police’s social media account.
A spokesperson for MCFRS called the comment “concerning and does not reflect the values or commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion upheld by MCFRS.”
During his weekly media briefing, Elrich said he was aware of the racial comment and called it “inappropriate,” adding, “There will be consequences.”
An internal investigation was initiated to review the matter thoroughly. The employee is in a non-operational status pending the outcome of the investigation.
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