The Frederick County Health Department (FCHD) reminds residents that there is an open burning ban in effect through August 31st. This ban does not apply to small recreational fires such as campfires, the use of barbeques, or gas grills. Additional bans may be imposed due to weather conditions for campfires or grass grills as needed by the Fire Marshal.

The annual ban, which is required by the Maryland State Air Quality regulations, first went into effect in June 1995. The ban extends throughout the Metropolitan Washington Air Quality Region and is designed to reduce the high ozone levels that affect the region during the summer months, allowing for better air quality. The ban is not related to rainfall.

The FCHD would also like to remind residents that when burning is allowed, an open burning permit is required from the Health Department. Permits can be obtained by visiting the FCHD, Environmental Health Office located at 350 Montevue Lane or by printing an application from our website and mailing it along with your check to the FCHD. http://health.frederickcountymd.gov/344/Open-Burn-Permit.

Violations of the open burning ban or open burning without a permit is subject to a fine of up to $500 under the Frederick County Code and up to $25,000 under Maryland State Regulations. Burning of household trash is not allowed at any time of the year. For additional information, contact the Community Services in the Environmental Health Services Division of the Frederick County Health Department at 301-600-1717.

County announces New Horizons Academy to Help High School Students Experiencing Homelessness

On June 6, County Executive Jan Gardner announced the next phase of the New Horizons Frederick program called the New Horizons Academy. The five-week program is coordinated through the Student Homelessness Initiative Partnership, known as SHIP of Frederick County. Starting on July 1, the program will provide academic training to 60 Frederick County Public Schools students from five high schools who are experiencing homelessness.

"We live in a community that cares and has taken action to help hundreds of students," commented Executive Gardner. "SHIP and many community partners are to be commended for giving hope and making a difference in the academic and personal lives of many students who face real life challenges."

Through the New Horizons Academy, students will take courses at Frederick High School. Those who want employment experience will be placed in part-time jobs by the Frederick County Workforce Services’ Youth Works program. The project serves students from Catoctin, Governor Thomas Johnson, Tuscarora and Frederick High Schools, and now Walkersville High will also participate. The expansion is funded, in part, by a $40,000 Community Partnership Grant from Frederick County.

The objective of the program is to provide support and resources to help these students remain on track to graduate on time. Last week, 23 New Horizon participants graduated with high school diplomas due to the work of SHIP, FCPS and many partners.

This school year, 828 students faced the challenges of homelessness, 150 of whom had no adult caregiver. This is the first time the county has been able to estimate the number of unaccompanied youth, because Frederick County now participates in the Youth REACH Maryland survey. That survey also found that another 72 youth between the ages of 16 and 24 were unaccompanied and homeless, but not enrolled in FCPS.

Funders for New Horizons include Frederick County Government, Rotary Club of Carroll Creek, Frederick County Public Schools, The Community Foundation of Frederick County, and numerous private individuals in Frederick County who have provided items such as laptops and scholarships for the students to participate in the program.

For more information about New Horizons, contact SHIP of Frederick at 240-415-8971 or via e-mail at info@ShipFrederick.com.

Fire Chief Owens Retires

Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner today announced the retirement of Thomas Owens as chief and director of the Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services, effective June 30.

"Chief Owens is a consummate professional with 50 years of service with fire and rescue," said Executive Gardner. "Tom has an incredible list of accomplishments in the last four years, rebuilding and strengthening our fire service and laying a strong foundation for the future."

"It has been my high honor to serve County Executive Gardner and work alongside the tremendous men and women of DRFS and our strong combination fire-rescue system," Chief Owens said. "I feel incredibly fulfilled by what we have been able to accomplish in Frederick County."

During his tenure, Chief Owens has brought a high level of professionalism to a growing division. Over the past four years, 115 new career firefighter positions were added, allowing the County to begin transition to tactical unit staffing. The Division Fire and Rescue Services earned state and national recognition under Chief Owens’ supervision. The EMS training programs earned national accreditation, and in 2018, Frederick County was named Outstanding EMS System by the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems.

Chief Owens will retire from Frederick County Government with 50 years of fire and emergency service experience. He began as a volunteer firefighter at age 16 and rose through the ranks to become chief for two combination career and volunteer fire departments. Executive Gardner re-appointed him to the position of Chief in March of 2015, after a previous term from 2010 – 2013. Prior to his time in Frederick County, Chief Owens served as fire chief of the City of Fairfax, Va. He also has served fire departments in Winchester, Va., Fairfax County, Va., Loudoun County, Va., Prince William County Va., and Washington, D.C.

Deputy Chief Thomas Coe, who is currently managing operations, will serve as acting director for the Division of Fire and Rescue Services. "I am confident Deputy Chief Coe will ensure a smooth leadership transition," Executive Gardner said.