5 Critical Roles Of The Rockville Fire Department That Go Beyond The Siren
The Rockville Fire Department (RVFD), a cornerstone of public safety in Montgomery County, Maryland, is far more than just the emergency vehicles you see speeding down Rockville Pike. As of today, December 21, 2025, the department continues its over century-long tradition of service, balancing the high-stakes world of emergency response with deep community engagement and specialized technical rescue operations. Operating as a vital component of the larger Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS), the RVFD is a unique hybrid organization powered by both career staff and dedicated volunteers who answer the call for everything from major structure fires to critical Emergency Medical Services (EMS) incidents.
This comprehensive guide dives into the current structure, key personnel, recent activities, and the specialized functions that make the RVFD one of the most active and respected fire and rescue organizations in the region. From their headquarters in Town Center to their role in regional disaster preparedness, understanding the RVFD means recognizing a complex, multi-faceted entity dedicated to protecting the City of Rockville and its surrounding communities 24/7.
The Command Structure: Key Leadership and Biography Profile
The Rockville Volunteer Fire Department (RVFD) operates under a dual-leadership model, aligning its volunteer structure with the professional oversight of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS). This hybrid approach ensures seamless integration into the county-wide emergency response system.
- MCFRS Fire Chief: Corey A. Smedley. Chief Smedley heads the entire Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, providing executive leadership and strategic direction for all career and volunteer operations across the county, including those in Rockville.
- RVFD Fire Chief (Volunteer): Craig Lazar. As the volunteer Fire Chief, Craig Lazar leads the operational and administrative functions of the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department, overseeing the volunteer corps and apparatus.
- RVFD First Deputy Chief: Christopher Hinde (Chief 703B).
- RVFD Deputy Chiefs: Russell W. Dawson (Chief 703C) and Leonard Chornock.
- Historical Note: The department recently marked the "Last Alarm" for Past Fire Chief and Life Member M. Ray Mullican, highlighting the RVFD's deep historical roots and tradition of service that dates back to 1921.
5 Critical Roles Shaping Rockville's Safety Landscape
The RVFD’s operations extend far beyond traditional firefighting. Their scope of work encompasses highly specialized services, community safety initiatives, and regional disaster preparedness, making them a pillar of emergency services in the National Capital Region.
1. Regional Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Specialization
One of the most significant and specialized roles of the Rockville Fire Department is hosting and operating the regional Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) team, designated as Maryland Task Force 1 (MD-TF1).
- Function: MD-TF1 is a highly trained team capable of responding to structural collapses, trench rescues, confined space incidents, and large-scale natural disasters like hurricanes or earthquakes.
- Location: This critical resource is primarily housed at Station 31, located on Darnestown Road, giving it strategic access for rapid deployment across the county and the state.
- Impact: The team’s deployment capability is a testament to the RVFD’s advanced training and equipment, positioning them as a key asset in both local and national disaster response efforts.
2. The Hybrid Model: Career Staff and Volunteer Dedication
The RVFD is a prime example of the successful volunteer/career hybrid system utilized across Montgomery County. This model ensures round-the-clock coverage while fostering a strong sense of community ownership.
- Volunteer Corps: For over 100 years, volunteers have been the backbone of the RVFD, providing fire, rescue, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The opportunity for community service, camaraderie, and excitement draws hundreds of committed individuals.
- Apparatus Fleet: The department operates a modern, diverse fleet of apparatus, including five Engines, three Aerials (ladder trucks), and six Ambulances, all strategically placed across its stations to ensure rapid response times throughout the City of Rockville and its adjacent areas.
- Key Stations: The department operates from multiple critical locations, including Station 3 (Town Center Headquarters on Hungerford Drive) and Station 23 (located near Rockville Pike on Rollins Ave), which is vital for covering the southern Rockville area.
3. Proactive Community and Fire Safety Initiatives
The RVFD is deeply involved in proactive safety measures and community outreach, aiming to prevent emergencies before they happen. These initiatives are crucial for public education and preparedness.
- Smoke Detector Compliance: The department actively promotes compliance with the 2013 Maryland Smoke Alarm Law, which mandates the replacement of smoke alarms every 10 years and requires the use of alarms with sealed, 10-year batteries in certain situations. They urge residents to "Change Your Clock – Check or Change Your Smoke Detector" during time changes.
- Seasonal Events: The RVFD holds popular annual community events, such as the "Stuff an Ambulance" Toy Collection Event and the much-anticipated "Santa Announces His Rockville Visits," which build goodwill and provide charitable assistance to the community.
- Training and Readiness: They support the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, which trains volunteers to prepare for and respond to local emergencies.
4. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Specialty Support
A majority of emergency calls in Montgomery County are for Emergency Medical Services, and the RVFD plays a primary role in providing advanced life support (ALS) and basic life support (BLS) to the city.
- Ambulance Operations: The six ambulances in their fleet are continuously staffed by both career and volunteer EMS providers.
- Support Unit 703: The department recently placed a new Support Unit 703 into service. This multi-function, 4-wheel drive specialty unit is equipped to provide logistical and operational support for a wide range of incidents, including fire, rescue, and medical emergencies in challenging terrain or weather conditions.
- Recent Incident Response: The department's rapid response was recently highlighted in December 2025, when crews quickly contained a large house fire that displaced a family, preventing further loss of life or property damage.
5. Cultivating the Next Generation of First Responders
The RVFD and MCFRS are committed to developing future talent through various training and cadet programs, ensuring the continuity of high-quality emergency services.
- Fire Science & Rescue Cadet Program: High school students interested in a career in fire and rescue can participate in the Fire Science & Rescue Cadet program, which provides foundational training at the Montgomery County Public Safety Training Academy.
- Volunteer Opportunities: The department is constantly recruiting volunteers for roles ranging from operational firefighter/EMS provider to auxiliary support, offering extensive training and an opportunity to experience camaraderie and challenge.
- Continuous Training: All personnel, career and volunteer, undergo rigorous and continuous training to maintain proficiency in modern firefighting techniques, vehicle rescue, and advanced emergency medicine protocols. This commitment to training is essential for maintaining the high standards expected by the community.
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