Meet Howard County's First Woman Fire Chief

COLUMBIA, MD — The new chief of the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services was formally announced during a press conference in Columbia on Tuesday, Dec. 18. Howard County Fire Chief Christine M. Uhlhorn is the first woman to lead the department.

Uhlhorn is a 29-year veteran of the fire service and third-generation firefighter who has worked to "break barriers," according to Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. She is a past president of the St. Florian’s Brigade, an organization designed to attract young women to fire service careers.

As she rose through the ranks before being promoted to assistant chief in 2016, Uhlhorn held various roles such as Fire Officer Association president and Safe Kids coordinator.

Ball said he wanted a chief who would "make it one of their top priorities that [fire service members] get home each and every night to their families."

Having adequate staffing and equipment for the department would be priorities for him, Ball said.

"I am beyond humbled to be standing here today in this role, especially here because almost 30 years ago this is where I showed up for my first shift," Ulhorn said during the press conference at Station #9 on Tamar Drive. "I wanted to be a firefighter for my entire life." She said her grandfather and father have served in the fire service.

She said she was a believer in health and wellness as well as inclusive opportunities.

“Educating, protecting, and serving Howard County is all I’ve known for the past 29 years,” said Uhlhorn. “I’m humbled to be recognized for my leadership, appreciated for my values, and encouraged to implement a shared vision through County Executive Ball for continued inclusion within our fire department.”

Uhlhorn "set high standards for herself, those who she has commanded as well as those who she has trained — and I should know, because she helped train me when I was in the academy," Ball said. "She was a mentor then, and she will be an even greator mentor to thousands of others."

“I was looking for an exceptional leader with demonstrated experience and vision, suited to solve not just the big problems of today, but the potentially bigger problems of tomorrow,” Ball said in a statement. “With nearly 30 years serving Howard County Fire and Rescue, she has dedicated her life to protecting the residents of Howard County. She will seize every opportunity to make Howard County the best place for everyone. Chief Christine Uhlhorn is an innovative thinker who always puts safety first.”

Photo of Fire Chief Christine M. Uhlhorn and County Executive Calvin Ball courtesy of the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services.