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Mission

The Annapolis Fire Department (AFD) exists to provide a safe environment for the community by minimizing the impact of fire and injury through public education, quality service, emergency preparedness and an overall culture of safety.

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Fire News

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Annapolis and Anne Arundel Fire Departments held a Wreath Laying Ceremony on Monday, March 6, 2023, in memory of the line of duty death William Brown who was a member of Water Witch. 

The Annapolis Fire Department held a Pinning Ceremony for newly promoted Battalion Chief Michael Lonergan, Jr., Captain Jeffrey Gunter, Lieutenants Andrew Collins, Joshua Dupre, & Eileen Proctor; Firefighters First Class Jose Ceballos, Daryl Caldwell, Kyle Greim, Bridget Weiss & Bryan Wright.  The speakers were Chief Remaley, DC Spriggs, and Union President Joseph Pilat who congratulated the newly promoted.

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On Wednesday, December 7, 2022, the Annapolis Fire Department held a Swearing-In with Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley for Lateral Class 02-2022. Chief Douglas Remaley, Mayor Gavin Buckley, Alderwomen Rhonda Pindell-Charles, and Deputy Chief Caroll Spriggs, II spoke and then presented certificates with family members pinning the laterals. The Mayor then swore them in and they all signed the official book.  The Annapolis Fire Department congratulates and welcomes our new personnel; Firefighter Jordan J. Demeritt, Firefighter  Monique L. Dickey, Firefighter Ryan B. Evans, Firefighter Justin E. Maarschalkerweerd, Firefighter Barry McGrellis, Firefighter Brian C. Remaley, and Firefighter Russell A. Thomas.

2022-11-06 Brown Family Cardiac Arrest visits Platoon 1 Crew

The Brown family visited the Annapolis Fire Department crew that responded to a Cardiac Arrest of a 14-year-old to thank them.

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The Annapolis Fire Department held a Pinning Ceremony on Friday, October 28, 2022, for the newly promoted Fire Lieutenant Rickey L. Walker. The speakers were Chief Remaley, Deputy Chief Caroll Spriggs, and Alderwoman Rhonda Pindell-Charles who congratulated him.

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The Annapolis Fire Department held a Pinning Ceremony on Friday, September 16, 2022, for the newly promoted Fire Lieutenant Scott M. Adelman, Firefighter First Class Patrick T. Gallagher and Jeffery Davis. The speakers were Deputy Chief Caroll Spriggs, and Alderwoman Rhonda Pindell-Charles who congratulated the newly promoted.

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On Wednesday, September 7, 2022, the Annapolis Fire Department and Anne Arundel County Fire Department held a graveside memorial service and wreath laying to remember Firefighter Schwallenberg at Hillcrest Cemetery. 

Wednesday, September 7, 2022, marks the 58th Anniversary of the Line of Duty Death of Firefighter John W. Schwallenberg of the Rescue Hose Company Number 1, Annapolis.  At Approximately 8:00 pm on September 7, 1964, a fire was reported in a one-story concrete-block warehouse on Virginia Avenue near Chinquapin Round Rd.  The fire grew rapidly, eventually reaching a third alarm, bringing more than 150 firefighters to the scene.  

It is believed that Firefighter Schwallenberg entered the south side of the building with two other firefighters, and they were enveloped in smoke.  Although they were wearing masks, they were overcome by the smoke in the building.  A total of 12 firefighters were transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation.

Firefighter Schwallenberg died the day before his 17th birthday. The death of Firefighter Schwallenberg led to the County Commissioners calling for a study to determine the need for a paid fire department in Anne Arundel County.

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Personnel from the Annapolis Fire Department and the Anne Arundel County Fire Department remembered Volunteer Firefighter Johnson at a graveside memorial service and wreath-laying at Hillcrest Cemetery.

Wednesday, July 13, 2022, marks the 64th anniversary of the July 13, 1958 line of duty death of Firefighter Alexander C. Johnson.  He was a member of the Rescue Hose Fire Company here in Annapolis and also worked as a Firefighter for the United States Naval Academy Fire Department.  Firefighter Johnson and other members of the Annapolis Fire Department responded to a fire on Shaw Street.  During the incident, he collapsed and later died at the hospital as a result of heart failure. 

Please take an opportunity today to think about Firefighter Johnson and the other 21 firefighters who have died while protecting the citizens of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County. WE WILL NEVER FORGET! 

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During the Special Olympics Torch Run on Wednesday, June 8,2022, the Annapolis Fire Department participated with two bike medics.

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Annapolis Fire Department participated in the Saturday, June 4, 2022, Pride Parade by having Fire apparatus in the parade and a Your Lives Matter tent set up along the route.

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Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church Juniors’ Candlelight Luminary Service was held on Friday, May 20, 2022, to honor deceased church, community members, Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Firefighters and Police Officers, Rev. John T. Chambers Sr. Park, Ward 3.

Ward 3/Parole resident Mrs. Cynthia Hicks took this opportunity to again thank Chief Remaley publicly for saving her nephew's life several years ago.

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The Annapolis Fire Department held a Pinning Ceremony on Friday, April 29, 2022, for the newly promoted Fire Lieutenant Nikolaus A. Bussink and Firefighter First Class Enrique L. Burke. The speakers were Chief Douglas Remaley, D.C. Caroll Spriggs, and Alderwoman Rhonda Pindell-Charles who all congratulated the newly promoted. 

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On Sunday, March 6, 2022, the City of Annapolis celebrated Saint Patrick's Day with a parade through downtown Annapolis.

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Annapolis and Anne Arundel Fire Departments held a Wreath Laying on Saturday, March 5, 2022 in memory of the line of duty death William Brown who was a member of Water Witch.  Pictures are from Donny Clime.

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Mayor Gavin Buckley virtually along with Chief Douglas Remaley and Deputy Chief Caroll Spriggs swore in during the week of February 9, 2022, the five new lateral hires. Firefighter II Adrienne J. Gianesin, Firefighter II Kyle Hayden, Firefighter II Rashad J. Pratt, Firefighter II Frank J. Reidler, and Firefighter II Joseph P. Swindle are all welcomed to the Annapolis Fire Department. 

(For Immediate Release, January 7, 2022)

ANNAPOLIS AND ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENTS SEEKS PUBLIC’S ASSISTANCE TO ALLEVIATE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT OVERLOAD IN FACE OF COVID-19 SURGE

The Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Fire Departments are asking for the community’s to help alleviate the unprecedented strain that COVID-19 and its emerging variants have placed on the area’s emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, frontline responders, and hospitals.

COVID-19 infections continue to spread rapidly throughout Maryland.  According to data from the Anne Arundel County Department of Health, the COVID positivity rate in the county has reached 30.02% resulting in a 91.9% Intensive Care Unit occupancy rate.

COVID-19 threatens to overwhelm the region’s frontline health care providers and our health care system as a whole. Increased numbers of hospitalizations have led to longer patient wait times in the area’s emergency departments (ED), as well as a shortage of available staffed beds in hospitals. Healthcare facilities are being required to triage patients as they arrive to ensure the sickest receive treatment first.  In some cases, ED patients with non-life-threatening emergencies may wait for extended periods, some exceeding 24 hours. Calling 9-1-1 for an ambulance does not guarantee faster care in the ED.  Because local hospitals may be full, ambulances may be required to take patients to other regions.  This takes EMS units out of our communities for extended periods, making them less available for urgent 9-1-1 calls such as heart attacks and vehicle accidents. 

"Our members continue to work hard, serving through the challenges of the pandemic, but we need the community to do their part," said Anne Arundel County Fire Chief Trisha Wolford. "It is important to use our EMS services responsibly and only when necessary, and to expect long wait times once you arrive at the hospital," she continued.

Annapolis Fire Chief Douglas Remaley agrees with Chief Wolford. “This pandemic is not only affecting our community, it is taking it’s toll on all of our health care providers. Please review the below listed guidelines to help us meet our daily emergency medical challenges to better serve our community.”

In light of this unprecedented burden on EMS personnel, hospital staff, and our health system, the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Fire Departments are seeking the community’s assistance in the following ways:

  • Avoid going to EDs for minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, and low-grade fevers. Instead, seek non-emergency care from primary care physicians or urgent care centers.
  • Do not go to an ED just to obtain a COVID-19 test. Instead, go to an approved COVID-19 testing site (https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/pages/symptoms-testing) or use a home test kit.
  • Limit 9-1-1 EMS calls to possible life-threatening conditions such as:
    • Chest pains or persistent pain or pressure in the chest
    • Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
    • Blueish lips or face
    • Severe pain that is new and doesn’t go away
    • Traumatic injury
    • Unconscious or altered mental status
    • New confusion or inability to arouse
    • Stroke
    • Overdose
    • Allergic reaction with swelling and/or respiratory difficulty
    • Seizure
    • Diabetic emergencies
    • Life-threatening mental health issues (e.g., suicidal)
    • Burns
    • Childbirth (active labor or complications)
  • Get vaccinated and/or receive the COVID-19 booster, and encourage others to do the same.
  • Help limit COVID-19 transmission by socially distancing, washing hands regularly, and wearing a mask.

Limit exposure to others, especially if there has been close contact with someone known to have COVID-19 or there are COVID-19 symptoms.

In cases of mild symptoms that are likely due to a viral illness, EMTs and Paramedics will evaluate the condition.  If the severity of illness is mild, they may advise that home care, primary care follow-up, and outpatient testing are appropriate, as opposed to being taken to an ED.

By following these guidelines, our community can help decrease COVID-19 transmission and, in so doing, decrease the number of infections, hospitalizations, and deaths. For more information about COVID-19 and related resources, visit https://www.aahealth.org/covid19/.

“Our EMS system, hospitals and health care personnel are responding to these extraordinary circumstances and continue to meet the needs of our patients,” says Dr. Ted Delbridge, Executive Director of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems, which coordinates the state’s EMS system. “EMS Clinicians are available when you truly need them, but please make sure there is a true emergency before calling 9-1-1 or going to the ED.”

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The Annapolis Fire Department held a Pinning Ceremony on Thursday, December 9, 2021, for the newly promoted Firefighter First Class Travon Williams and Firefighter First Class Ronald G. Quetel. The speakers were Douglas Remaley, DC Caroll Spriggs, Alderwoman Rhonda Pindell-Charles, and F1c John Wardell on behalf of the union who all congratulated the newly promoted. 

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On Wednesday, December 8, 2021, the Annapolis Fire Department held a Graduation Ceremony for Recruit Class 03.  The Graduation Ceremony was opened by MC Lieutenant Kenneth White. The National Anthem was sung by Retired Lieutenant Tina Pitner. The invocation was done by Reverend Vicent Leggett, the AFD Chaplain. The Keynote speakers were Mayor Gavin Buckley, Alderwoman Rhonda Pindell-Charles and an address by Class Representative Recruit Ted Bouthiller, Jr.  Chief Douglas Remaley spoke and then presented certificates, awards, and pinned the Recruits.  The Annapolis Fire Department congratulates our new graduates; Firefighter Ted A. Bouthiller, Jr., Firefighter Shannon M. Connelly, Firefighter Jeremy L. Dulin, Firefighter Stacey L. Holden, and Firefighter Gabriel T. Ripley.

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Photos from the 9/11 Remembrance Walk held at the Eastport Memorial Labyrinth on Saturday, September 11, 2021.

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Saturday, September 11, 2021, marked the 20th Anniversary of 9/11. We take time to reflect on the first responders that made the ultimate sacrifice at the Fallen Firefighters Memorial located in The City Of Annapolis. We honor and remember those lives that were lost that tragic day. We will NEVER FORGET!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Media Contact: Mitchelle Stephenson, 410-972-7724 or mwstephenson@annapolis.gov

Annapolis to Commemorate 20th Anniversary of Sept. 11 with Proclamation and Ceremony at Firefighters Memorial 


ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 7, 2021) – The City of Annapolis will commemorate the 20th anniversary of September 11 with a ceremony at the Maryland Firefighters Memorial on the morning of Saturday, September 11, 2021. The memorial is located at the intersection of Rowe Blvd./Bladen at Calvert Streets. The ceremony will begin at 8:15 a.m. and conclude with a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m., the time the North Tower of the World Trade Center was struck by a hijacked airliner. 

Mayor Buckley will read a Proclamation declaring September 11 to be an Annapolis Day of Remembrance and Service. He will be joined by Alderwoman Rhonda Pindell Charles, chair of the City’s Public Safety Committee, the Annapolis Fire Department (AFD) Honor Guard, AFD Chief Douglas Remaley, who will lay a wreath at the conclusion of the program, and the state legislative delegation with Del. Dana Jones making remarks on their behalf. 

On September 11, 2021, terrorists hijacked four airliners in a coordinated plot against the United States of America. Two of the hijacked planes struck the World Trade Center, causing the complete destruction of the landmark skyscraper complex. The third plane crashed into the Pentagon. A fourth plane was re-commandeered by brave passengers and crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, never reaching the hijackers’ intended target, likely a Washington, DC landmark (either the White House or the U.S. Capitol). Nearly 3,000 people died in the attacks, including 2,750 people in New York, 184 at the Pentagon and 40 in Pennsylvania as well as the terrorists. 

Annapolis firefighters went to New York City in the aftermath of the attacks to assist with rescue and recovery efforts. Mayor Buckley will honor that service and assistance to NYFD in their hour of need. 

The public is invited to pay their respects at the commemoration. Attendees should park at Gotts or one of the state garages and walk to the ceremony site. Please be alert that there is a US Naval Academy home football game (vs. Air Force) on Sat., Sept. 11. There may be parking and traffic challenges in and around Navy Stadium as early as 10 a.m. on Sept. 11.

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On August 20, 2021, the Annapolis Fire Department held a Pinning Ceremony for the promotions that occurred effective August 19, 2021. Newly promoted personnel are: Battalion Chief Wayne F. Fretterd, Jr., Battalion Chief John D. Muhitch, Captain Kelly L. Ruth, Captain William J. Shaver, Lieutenant Michael B. Williams, and Lieutenant Tony Williams, Jr.

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Line of Duty Death Anniversary - Firefighter Alexander C. Johnson (Rescue Hose Company Number One)

July 13, 2021 was the 63rd anniversary of the line of duty death of Firefighter Alexander C. Johnson of the Rescue Hose Company Number One - Annapolis Fire Department. To commemorate the date, Chief Remaley led personnel from the Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Fire Departments with family members to remember Firefighter Johnson at a memorial service and wreath-laying.

While fighting a fire on Shaw Street in Annapolis, Firefighter Johnson collapsed and later died at the hospital on July 13, 1958 as a result of heart failure. At the time of his death, Firefighter Johnson was also a firefighter for the United States Naval Academy Fire Department. He was a veteran of the U.S. Armed Services, having served in World War II, and was 42-years-old at the time of his death.

As Chief Remaley promised; we will never forget.

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On June 25, 2021, the Annapolis Fire Department held a Pinning Ceremony for the promotions that occurred effective June 21, 2021. Newly promoted personnel are: Captain Michael P. Lonergan, Jr., Lieutenant Jack D. Beckwith, and Firefighter First Class Matthew J. Benoliel.

Suspicious package in downtown Annapolis in June 2020.

Rescue box on Forest Drive in June 2020.

Pictures of a kitchen fire taken on Saturday, May 30, 2020, in Eastport on Creek Drive.

Would you like a tour of the fire station? These men and women are working hard during the COVID-19 shutdown, ensuring that folks who need help get it! Here’s Captain John Muhitch. 

  1. Does the Fire Department sell or give away patches or t-shirts?
  2. Does the Fire Department perform CPR and first aid training?
  3. How can I become a firefighter or paramedic?
  4. Does the Fire Department conduct child car safety seat checks?
  5. Do you offer station tours or host children's birthday parties?
  6. What do I do with any expired or surplus fireworks and flares for proper and safe disposal?
  7. How do I obtain a copy of the fire codes currently being enforced?
  8. Where can I view the Maryland Fire Prevention Code?
  9. How can I get a copy of my fire report?
  10. Why doesn’t the Fire Department respond in a less costly Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) in place of a fire engine to EMS/medical calls or vehicle accidents?
  11. Why does the Fire Department respond with a fire engine and an ambulance to a seemingly minor vehicle accident? It seems like an inefficient use of resources and waste of money?
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