In this episode of Short Takes we talk with Will Broscious from the Columbia-Richland Fire and Rescue Department about his presentation at the upcoming Vision 20/20 Project Model Performance in CRR Symposium on February 17-20. You can learn more and register at www.StrategicFire.org/Symposium6 Our program is designed to recruit volunteers by taking a different approach. As opposed to simply recruiting volunteers, we began to change our strategy in mid-2018 with a goal to recruit volunteers that can assist our department in various ways. This new approach has led to an increase in our CRR abilities including the successful completion of our first community risk assessment conducted by a local college student that was recruited to join our department as well as an increase in the number of volunteer fire fighters.
Joseph Walters
Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshall (OSFM)
Executive Officer
Joe Walters is the Executive Officer for the State Fire Marshal, with the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal (OSFM). As the first “Executive Officer ” Joe has been integral in moving the OSFM into the 21st century, from technology advancements, fleet refreshments, equipment needs to health and wellness awareness. Since 2016, he has also led a part in the agencies community risk reduction programs. He has been proactive in fire prevention programs throughout the State and has assisted with the dissemination of important fire & life saving information via social media and other platforms. He currently sits on the Mid Atlantic Life Safety Conference Committee as the operations command, trying to enhance the program. By trade he is a fire investigator and worked in the field for several years prior to the appointment of Executive Officer. He worked several high profile cases and made many arson and explosive related arrests. He has had the opportunity to sit in forums such as the Truman Symposiums and the FEMA AFG content development group. On his off time, he is a 20-year veteran of the volunteer fire service where he currently serves in the role of Captain. He has held many roles including Assistant Treasurer and Vice President. He is also an instructor for the National Safe Boating Council and specialize in the maritime rescue discipline. He and his wife own a small custom t-shirt business, which was started just before the birth of their child, in 2015. When not working, he loves sitting on the Chesapeake Bay on his boat or tearing up the mud four wheeling in the woods.
