May 22, 2020
Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
Brad Tanner, Community Outreach & Media Affairs, Department of Fire and Rescue Services, 410-313-6039
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Today, County Executive Calvin Ball announced William Anuszewski as Howard County’s Department of Fire and Rescue Services Chief effective May 25th. Anuszewski has been serving as Acting Chief since March 1st.
“We have no doubt Chief Anuszewski will continue to lead Fire and Rescue Services with the steady wisdom and experience of his 30-year career,” said Ball. “He stepped into the role of Acting Chief just as this public health crisis began and has been a remarkable leader while navigating the pandemic with front-line paramedics and emergency technicians. As our government looks to a new normal, we know that Fire and Rescue is in good hands.”
Chief Anuszewski was previously Deputy Chief of Operations for Fire and Rescue and serving as the Director of Emergency Management. Anuszewski began in the fire service as a Volunteer with the Ellicott City Volunteer Fire Department in 1983 prior to being hired by the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services in 1990 as part of Recruit Class 7. Over his 30-year career, he has worked in multiple bureaus within the department, serving as Battalion Chief of Special Operations, Field Operations, and Assistant Chief of Logistics. From 2012 to 2017, he oversaw matters of budget, payroll, grant management, human resources, and research and policy as Assistant Chief of Administrative Services.
“It is an absolute honor to be chosen by County Executive Ball to lead our progressive department into the future of Fire/EMS service,” said Fire Chief William Anuszewski. “Howard County Fire and Rescue has been a home to me for over 30 years and I know first-hand that the men and women who make up this department are some of the best out there. Our uniform personnel, civilians, and volunteers’ steadfast commitment and dedication to serving the residents and visitors of Howard County remains evident, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis. It’s my intention to uphold the mission and values set forth for this department while continuing to improve our service to Howard County.”
Chief Anuszewski has been the recipient of multiple department awards including Meritorious Service, Gift of Life, Fire Chief Award, and Accreditation. He holds a Bachelor’s and a Master’s in management from Johns Hopkins University. Anuszewski is also a graduate of Leadership Howard County Premier. On a regional level, Anuszewski was part of Maryland Task Force 2 for Urban Search and Rescue as a Communications Specialist and finally Task Force Leader. He has served on the Hazardous Materials Working Group for the Baltimore Urban Area Security Initiative and on the Governor’s Panel for statewide radio inter-operability.
Chief Anuszewski and his wife Anna raised their two children in Ellicott City, and have been lifelong residents of Howard County.
“The Howard County Professional Fire Officers Association is pleased to see one of our own being selected to serve as our next Fire Chief,” said Captain Raymond Petry, President of the Howard County Professional Fire Officers Association. “I am confident Chief Anuszewski will continue to uphold the values and visions of the department, especially during these uncertain times. On behalf of our membership, I extend my sincere congratulations and support.”
“Congratulations to Chief Anuszewski, on behalf of all of the Howard County Volunteer Fire Corporations Chiefs and President, he will be an asset to the county,” said Chief Ray Wines President of the Howard County Volunteer Firefighters Association. “Chief Anuszewski has been involved in this department for a while and works very well with the combination system. The Howard County Volunteer Firefighters Association looks forward to working with him in the future.”
"St. Florien's Brigade is excited for the announcement of Chief Anuszewski as the Fire Chief,” said Lt. Amy Breznak, President St. Florien's Brigade. “We are looking forward to a collaborative relationship with the Chief moving forward as he brings his vision for the Department to fruition. He is a proven leader with many years of experience which he has shown in the handling of the current COVID-19 pandemic and during our Line of Duty Death. Congratulations to the new Chief."
"Chief Anuszewski has provided leadership through some unprecedented times in our department's short history,” said Captain DeAngelo Redd President of the IABPFF Phoenix Sentinels, Howard County. “His exemplary track record and years of fire service leadership experience makes him a fitting choice for Fire Chief. I’m confident that his team-building and people skills will help HCDFRS maintain and grow its great reputation and service to the citizens of Howard County. His appointment is well deserved."
"The members of Local 2000 congratulate Chief Anuszewski on his appointment to Fire Chief,” said Richard L. Ruehl, President, IAFF Local 2000 “Though there are a great number of things going well for our Department, there are a number of priorities still outstanding. We are eager to see that these priorities come to fruition during Chief Anuszewski’s tenure."