CITY OF CUMBERLAND

FIRE CHIEF

March 3, 2026

GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK
Responsible for directing and coordinating the provision of Fire-Fighting, Fire-Protection,
Emergency Management, EMS services, and Fire Marshal services to the City of Cumberland.
This position performs technical and administrative work involving the protection of life and
property and the supervision and direction of all fire and EMS services within a full-time career department. This position involves policy development, fiscal planning, and human resource and labor relations planning. Work involves the efficient operation of Fire and EMS Services through the general control of all departmental activities, including training, assignment, supervision, and discipline of all departmental employees. Responsible for the establishment of programs to prevent fires, protect life and property and to educate the public on matters of fire safety. This position also is responsible for all EMS, emergency management activities, and fire investigations.

CLASSIFICATION
Department Director
FLSA Exempt

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
“The chief of the fire department shall be appointed by the city council, and he shall have charge, under the city administrator, of the fire department of the city, subject always to the orders and direction of the city administrator.” (Section 7.23, Code of the City of Cumberland)

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
General supervision over all departmental employees and members of Fire Services
Department, and all functions in accordance with Chapter 7 of the Code of the City of Cumberland, Maryland,

ESSENTIAL TASKS

(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

Formulates policies, plans, procedures, regulations, and program priorities governing the
activities of Fire Department.

Works closely with City Administrator, Department Heads and Elected Officials to
establish policies and procedures that ensure the effective and efficient operation of the Fire
Department.

Directs Fire Department operations in order to achieve operational goals within budgeted funds and available personnel.

Ensures Fire Department operations follow all applicable federal, state, and local
laws and guidelines. Additionally ensures Fire Department is operated in compliance with
City personnel and purchasing policies and grant requirements.

Serves as chief fiscal officer for the Fire Department, providing strategic financial leadership aligned with City priorities and long-term sustainability.

Participates in I.A.F.F. collective bargaining and ensures adherence to the contract.

Develops and maintains a multi-year capital improvement plan for apparatus replacement, station maintenance, technology upgrades, and major equipment acquisitions.

Confers with staff to formulate and develop plans and programs; especially in the areas of fire
prevention, fire safety education, and community relations. These programs should focus on fire hazard mitigation, fire investigation, and public education.

Directs and develops short and long-range plans, goals, and objectives for Fire Department.
Additionally plans for the availability and efficient utilization of financial and human resources.

Prepares specifications and makes recommendations for the acquisition of City Fire
Services equipment, supplies, and apparatus.

Coordinates the provision of EMS services within the city.

Performs Emergency Management Responsibilities including EOP, COOP, planning and
coordinating of City events, preparation, mitigation, response, and recovery from
disasters.

Works with local and regional public safety partners in the coordination of responding to
emergencies.

Conducts the planning of drills and exercises that test the effectiveness of various emergency
plans and pre-plans.

Assures adequate response to disasters by developing and maintaining an interdepartmental
emergency management system.

Establishes and maintains liaison with law enforcement authorities, Department Heads,
businesses, and community and volunteer organizations for the purpose of implementing the
Emergency Management Program.

Develops a positive working relationship with officials of other fire service
agencies, community groups, businesses, and the public regarding all aspects of Fire Department
activities.

Provides technical support to the City Administrator. This includes the interpretation and
applications of policies and procedures, developing recommendations regarding fire-related
matters, and interpretations of legislative changes.

Reviews the work of technical and professional personnel involved in various Fire Department
programs.

The Fire Chief is required to be available continuously in cases of emergency or public need.

Formulates and prescribes work methods and procedures to be followed by members of Fire
Department.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of modern fire service/operation methods, techniques, procedures, and concepts. Knowledge of governmental administrative procedures and practices including budgeting, purchasing and policy formulation. Knowledge of human resource management practices such as training, delegation, discipline, etc. Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws rules, regulations and codes relating to fire suppression and prevention and emergency response activities. Skill in informational analysis and problem solving in order to assess large amounts of information and formulate decisions. Skill in leadership and management techniques in order to coordinate the diversified activities of a large group of individuals towards the achievement of common goals. Skill in organization and prioritizing work. Skill in the use of computer hardware and applicable computer software. Skill in communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Knowledge and practical experience working in a unionized, full-time career fire department.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Four-year degree in Fire Administration or related field, or a minimum of 10 years of
management experience within a full-time career department, or any equivalent combination of education and experience, required. Master’s degree and/or graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program, preferred.

Minimum five (5) years of command experience in a full-time career department.

Possession of a valid Maryland driver’s license or the ability to acquire such within three (3) months) of employment.

Current Emergency Medical Technician License

Current Hazardous Materials Certification

Current Firefighter 1 & 2 National Certification

Current Fire Officer 3 National Certification

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle, or feel objects and controls. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to a, personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine. Some stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, repetitive motions. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Must have the ability to perform outside work in varying and extreme weather conditions during fire emergencies or disasters. May be exposed to hazardous fire conditions and hazardous materials. May be able to work at heights in excess of twenty (20) feet.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.

03/26