Division Of Wellness Safety & Training
Richie Bowers
Division Chief
240-777-2400
Richard.Bowers@montgomerycountymd.gov

                Fire/Rescue Chief Richie Bowers, the Wellness, Safety and Training Division Chief is responsible to provide support of the personnel within our organization. The focus of the Division of Wellness, Safety and Training is to train to be Ready, Train to be Safe and Train to be Healthy.

SAFETY & HEALTH STATEMENT
The purpose of this safety and health statement is to develop a high standard of safety throughout all aspects of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service and to ensure that we minimize the risks associated with work that under varying conditions may be hazardous or unsanitary.

We believe that each person has the right to derive personal satisfaction from their position, and the prevention of occupational injury or illness is of such consequence to this belief that it will be given top priority at all times.

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service will initiate and maintain complete accident prevention and safety training programs. Each individual from top management to firefighter/rescuer is responsible for the safety and health of those persons under their supervision and the personnel with whom they interact. By accepting mutual responsibility to operate safely, we will all contribute to the well being of everyone in our Organization.

    From its primary work site at the Public Safety Training Academy (PSTA) in Rockville, the DFRS Training Section develops and delivers training programs for all volunteer and career fire and rescue personnel in Montgomery County. These programs are held both at the PSTA and the individual fire and rescue stations. The Training Section provides a wide range of classroom instruction which is required for employee promotion and job proficiency. It also is responsible for the administration of the fire and rescue services "Recruit School".

    The DFRS Safety Section is responsbile for the safety, health and welfare of the personnel in the Division. The Safety Chief is the Division Safety Officer and is responsible for the management and oversight of the safety management plan and program. Additionally the Safety Chief responds to fire, rescue and EMS incidents.