Strategic Plan

The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) provides an all-hazards approach in the protection of the lives and property of the residents, businesses, and visitors of Howard County, Maryland. HCDFRS is consistently working to achieve and maintain the highest level of professionalism and efficiency on behalf of those it serves. Thus, in early 2021 HCDFRS commenced a process facilitating a method to document the Department’s path into the future via a Community-Driven Strategic Plan. The strategic plan was written based on the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) fire and emergency service accreditation model and is intended to guide the organization within established parameters set forth by the jurisdictional authority.          

The department utilized the community-driven strategic planning process to go beyond the development of a static document. The process challenged the Department’s members to critically examine paradigms, values, philosophies, beliefs, and desires and encouraged individuals to work in the best interest of the team. It further provided the Department with an opportunity to participate in the development of the organization’s long-term direction and focus. Members of the organization’s community and agency stakeholder groups demonstrated commitment to this important project and remain dedicated to the document’s completion and future execution.