Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett (second from right) announced that Interim Chief Richard R. Bowers, Jr. is his pick for Fire Chief. At the end of the announcement, Bowers was pinned with his new Chief’s badge by wife Debbie, while Chief Administrative Officer Tim Firestine (far left) and Council President Phil Andrews (far right) look on.

County Executive Isiah Leggett Names Interim Chief Bowers To Fire Chief Role

County Executive Isiah Leggett today concluded a nationwide search for a new fire chief by naming Acting Chief Richard R. Bowers, Jr. as Chief of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS). Bowers is a 32-year veteran of the department, and he has filled every rank and leadership role in MCFRS, including the role of Acting Chief since October 31, 2008, when the County’s first and only Fire Chief Thomas W. Carr, Jr. retired.

“Although we conducted an extensive nationwide search for fire chief, it is gratifying to know that our own interim chief beat all other competitors for the job,” said Leggett. “Our residents should take comfort in knowing that Montgomery County’s first class Fire and Rescue Service can only get better under the tutelage of such an experienced and highly-regarded leader in the fire and rescue field.” <more>