The Bright Times
A look back at some of the positive moments of 2025
Three Civilians Save Person from Drowning at Centennial Park
In June 2025, multiple 911 callers reported a kayaker screaming for help and a person face down in the water in Centennial Lake. A civilian on the shore dove in and rescued the patient. With the assistance of two Howard County Recreation and Parks employees, the person was rescued. Read the full story.
23 New Firefighters Graduate
In August 2025, Trainee Class 39 graduated from the academy and entered the field as firefighter recruits. With their graduation, the department became fully staffed, meeting the national gold standard for apparatus staffing with 517 personnel covering 114 seats every day across three shifts.
A Few Short Snippets
In case you missed them on social media, here are a few snippets from 2025.
1,400+ Community Members Learned CPR and/or Stop the Bleed
This year, more than 1,400 community members learned CPR and/or how to recognize life-threatening bleeding and intervene effectively. Being equipped with these skills isn't just about preparedness—it means being ready to step in during emergencies, providing vital assistance when it's needed most. Learn more about our community outreach programs and classes.
Dozens of Smoke Alarms Installed in Laurel and Jessup
HCDFRS and the American Red Cross worked together to visit dozens of homes in Laurel in August and in Jessup in November to check smoke alarm functionality and install or replace alarms as needed.
Two Dogs Rescued from Life-Threatening Situations
Dog Saved from Frozen Pond
In January, firefighters were alerted to the report of a dog who had fallen through the ice of a frozen pond in Ellicott City. Firefighters quickly rescued and reunited the dog with his family. Remember, it's never safe to play on ice. Never go out on frozen water.
Firefighters Rescue Dog from a Manhole
In June, firefighters responded to the report of a dog stuck in a pipe in Glenwood. The crew rescued the dog, which was trapped in a manhole filled with water, and took it to Station 13 across the street until animal control arrived to assume care and custody.
20 Personnel Promoted
This year brought 20 promotions to the department. Congratulations to all our personnel who stepped into new leadership roles within HCDFRS this year!
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Firefighters Earn Awards Saving Lives and Delivering Babies
Gift of Life certificates are awarded to personnel who provide EMS services that result in a life being saved. We awarded Gift of Life certificates to our personnel for 15 cardiac arrest saves in 2025. Additionally, two Stork Awards were presented to crews who assisted with the delivery of a baby.
Jeremy Clancy Appointed as Newest Deputy Chief
In July, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and Fire Chief Louis Winston announced that Jeremy Clancy would be promoted to Deputy Chief. Read the press release.
Educating the Community
A few snapshots from community outreach events throughout the year.
Beacon Joins HCDFRS
In September, Beacon, a two-year-old black Labrador, joined our Office of the Fire Marshal, working alongside his handler, Captain Craig Matthews. Together, they respond to about 80 fire scenes every year.
Many Years and a Lasting Impact
Assistant Chief Rick Leonard
In January, Assistant Chief Rick Leonard retired from HCDFRS after 26 years of service. Throughout his career, Chief Leonard held several key positions in the department, including Assistant Chief of our Education and Training Bureau.
HCDFRS Softball Team Wins Award
Over the summer, three HCDFRS teams joined a softball tournament supporting muscular dystrophy research. Howard Fire Softball was awarded the 2024 Roy Yocum Sportsmanship Award for raising over $2,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) at last year’s event. Building on that effort, they raised $3,129 for the MDA this year.
Just a Few of the Promotional Pinnings from 2025
Donations to County Blood Drive Supports Whole Blood Program
In March and November, we welcomed our personnel, county employees, and the community to give back by donating blood at blood drives at our training center in Marriottsville.
In 2023, HCDFRS launched Maryland’s first Whole Blood program for a ground-based EMS department. This program allows EMS supervisors to administer whole blood transfusions before patients reach the hospital, buying critical time to save lives.