ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced that Department of Fire and Rescue Services Chief William G. Anuszewski will retire on August 31, 2021. Anuszewski was named Acting Chief in March 2020 and appointed Chief May 25, 2020.
Chief Anuszewski stepped into the role of Acting Chief just as the COVID-19 began, and I appreciate his leadership in helping us navigate the pandemic with front-line paramedics and emergency technicians. During his tenure, the Department launched its Mobile Integrated Community Health (MICH) Program which has been so crucial to ensuring that we reach some of our most vulnerable residents with vaccines. His team has served our community well.
Before his appointment as Chief, Anuszewki was previously Deputy Chief of Operations for Fire and Rescue and serving as the Director of Emergency Management. He began in the fire service as a Volunteer with the Ellicott City Volunteer Fire Department in 1983 prior to being hired by the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services in 1990 as part of Recruit Class 7. During his 30-year career, he worked in multiple bureaus within the department, serving as Battalion Chief of Special Operations, Field Operations, and Assistant Chief of Logistics. From 2012 to 2017, he oversaw matters of budget, payroll, grant management, human resources, and research and policy as Assistant Chief of Administrative Services.
It has been my honor to serve as the 12th Fire Chief for Howard County. The quality of care and dedication of the men and women in Howard County Fire and Rescue is inspiring. I thank Executive Ball for the opportunity to lead this great department and retire confident that the residents and visitors of Howard County are protected by one of the best Fire and EMS Departments in the world.
In addition to the launch of the MICH Program, Chief Anuszewski increased all front-line suppression units to a staffing minimum of four personnel. He increased department diversity through strategic recruiting, oversaw the start of construction of a new Waterloo Fire Station, and developed a stakeholder-driven three-year strategic plan.
County Executive Ball has named Deputy Chief Gordon Wallace to serve as Acting Chief of the Department.