Montgomery County executive candidate would be department's first black fire chief – NBC4 Washington

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich announced his next candidate to lead the county's fire and rescue services Thursday. Corey Smedley would become the county's first Black fire chief if confirmed by the County Council.

“What’s more important to me is that they looked at my qualifications and experience,” Smedley said.

His 33 years of experience include serving as Prince George's County Deputy Chief and former Alexandria City Fire Chief. Prior to that, he was deputy chief of emergency management and homeland security in Alexandria as well as deputy chief of that city.

However, the initial spark was ignited at home.

“My sister started in the fire department before me, Andrea Smith, and she was the first firefighter in my family,” Smedley said. “And I got to see my sister do great things and challenge herself, and I was like, 'Wow, that's my big sister.'”

His sister worked for the Prince George's County Fire Department, and now he's forging his own path in Montgomery County amid changing demographics.

“It’s an advantage that the people who serve the people look like the people they serve,” Elrich said. “Young people, in particular, should feel that they can be anything, and if you only see white people at the top of every channel in the universe, you might quickly conclude that there are no place for you in the system.”

“It's important to say that qualifications are most important, but it's also important to say that diversity brings strength,” said Montgomery County Council Member Will Jawando. “It also brings lived experience.”

Smedley says he has no initial plans for major changes within the department. Coming from a neighboring county, he is familiar with the Montgomery County system and is bridging the gaps between volunteer and career firefighters, progress he has already made in Prince George's County.

“It’s about valuing everyone,” Smedley said. “It’s about giving people a seat at the table and solving our problems so we can find the solutions that will allow us to serve our community.” »

The county council is expected to hold confirmation hearings by mid-June.