For First Time, Woman Named AACo Fire Chief

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The first woman to lead the Anne Arundel County Fire Department will take over next month, County Executive Steuart Pittman announced Friday. He is appointing Trisha Wolford, a 10-year veteran of the department, as its first female chief.

Wolford is scheduled to begin her duties on Jan. 28. She is currently the assistant fire chief in Spokane, Wash., and previously served as deputy fire chief in Bozeman, Mont., according to a statement from Pittman's office.

“We needed a leader for this department with both institutional knowledge and a vision based on best practices across the country," Pittman said in the statement. "Chief Wolford has all of that, combined with a strong passion to serve the communities of Anne Arundel County.”

Wolford will take over for Chief Allan Graves, who submitted his resignation earlier this week, effective Dec. 31.

“I join all Anne Arundel County residents in thanking Chief Graves for his service,” Pittman said. “He served the department and the county with honor and I wish him well in the future.”

Wolford began her fire service career in 2006 in the Anne Arundel department, serving for 10 years as a firefighter, paramedic, company officer, arson and explosives investigator, internal investigator and tactical SWAT medic.

She also serves as the chair of the Professional Development Committee of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the statement added.

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Image: Trisha Wolford, a 10-year veteran of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department, has been chosen to become the department's next chief by County Executive Steuart Pittman.