Interim Chief To Lead Howard County Fire Department

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman on Tuesday named Deputy Chief Daniel Merson to serve as the interim chief of the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services, according to a county statement. On Sept. 1, Merson will assume the position being vacated by Chief John S. Butler, who was recently appointed chief of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department in Virginia.

“We are fortunate to have such tremendous bench strength in our fire department,” Kittleman said in the statement. “I know that while Chief Merson will have big shoes to fill, he is an eminently qualified leader who’s made many significant contributions during his long career of service to the residents of our community.”

Merson is a lifelong resident of Howard County and has served with the fire department for 34 years. He began as a volunteer for the Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department and has been an advanced life support provider/paramedic for his entire career.

For more than 21 years, Merson has held a chief officer position. During that time, he has managed the department's Emergency Medical Services, served as a field battalion chief, was the bureau chief of Emergency Services, served as the fire marshal for Howard County and is currently the deputy fire chief for support services.

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“This is a great department going through a challenging time,” Merson said in the statement, referring to the July 23 line of duty death of Lt. Nathan Flynn. “I am confident we will continue to bring vision and stability as we prepare for the future.”

“Chief Merson has extensive knowledge of county government, the department, national fire and EMS standards and strategic planning with an emphasis on human dignity,” Butler said. “Howard County and this department are in good hands.”

Merson has taught advanced life support classes throughout Maryland, and in 1999, he was honored as the State EMS Provider of the Year. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Liberty University and is currently enrolled in a master’s program.

Release: Howard County

Image: Interim Fire Chief Donald Merson (Howard County)