FREDERICK, MD – Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner today announced the appointment of Assistant Chief M. Shane Darwick to the position of Director of Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services. Darwick succeeds retired Director Kevin Fox. The director of Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services supports the work of, and coordinates with, Frederick County’s volunteer fire and rescue companies. The County Council approved the appointment today.
“Shane’s knowledge, work experience, strong communication skills, and work ethic makes him ideal for the director position,” Executive Gardner said. “He is well respected by staff and volunteer companies, and has done an exemplary job serving as the assistant chief of the Volunteer Fire & Rescue Services.”
Mr. Darwick joined Frederick County in 2019 as Assistant Chief of Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services, bringing 47 years of experience in career and volunteer fire and rescue services. He retired from Montgomery County Fire Rescue Service after 35 years, reaching the rank of Battalion Chief. Prior to joining Frederick County Government, Mr. Darwick served as the Training Center Manager for Carroll County Volunteer Emergency Services Association. During his career in fire and rescue, he held several management roles, including serving on the National Capital Region Incident Management Team and Maryland Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue Team. He is nationally certified as an Emergency Service Instructor III and is a University of Maryland Fire Rescue Institute instructor. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University and an Occupational Certificate in emergency management from Frederick Community College.
