Local fire marshal honored at convention

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

State Fire Marshal Chief William E. Barnard announced the selection at the convention that represents 392 volunteer fire and rescue departments and related associations around the state, according to a press release.

Deputy Chief State Fire Marshal Duane K. Svites of the Southern Maryland Regional Office said he selected Brenneman for the award for Brenneman’s achievement of an exceptional closure rate in arson investigations along with his performance in enforcing the State Fire Prevention Code.

Brenneman, who has been with the State Fire Marshal’s Office since July 1999, was also one of the top finalists for the statewide title.

Brenneman said he began his career in law enforcement with the Maryland State Police and transferred to the Prince Frederick Barrack in 1987 in the criminal investigation field.

‘‘It was very nice to see the firefighters get recognized for their work,” Brenneman said.

During the convention, seminars were taught covering myriad subjects relating to fire and rescue operations, which help teach fire and rescue personnel new administrative and operational skills, the press release stated.

All counties of Maryland were represented at the convention, said Chief Tom Scott of the Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department, including those from Calvert County.

‘‘We had five delegates and five alternates,” he said.

New officers were selected at the convention and PFVFD’s firefighter Doyle Cox was elected second vice president of the association, Scott said.