New Fire Chief Tapped For Howard County

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — William Anuszewski has been named Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services chief effective May 25. Anuszewski has been serving as acting chief since March 1. He previously served as deputy chief of operations for the department and as director of emergency management.

“We have no doubt Chief Anuszewski will continue to lead fire and rescue services with the steady wisdom and experience of his 30-year career,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “He stepped into the role of acting chief just as this public health crisis began and has been a remarkable leader while navigating the pandemic with front-line paramedics and emergency technicians. As our government looks to a new normal, we know that fire and rescue is in good hands.”

Anuszewski started his firefighting career as a volunteer with the Ellicott City Volunteer Fire Department in 1983 prior then was 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 has 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 is an absolute honor to be chosen by County Executive Ball to lead our progressive department into the future of Fire/EMS service,” said Anuszewski. “Howard County Fire and Rescue has been a home to me for over 30 years and I know firsthand that the men and women who make up this department are some of the best out there. Our uniform personnel, civilians and volunteers’ steadfast commitment and dedication to serving the residents and visitors of Howard County remains evident, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis. It’s my intention to uphold the mission and values set forth for this department while continuing to improve our service to Howard County.”

Anuszewski has received numerous career awards and holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in management from Johns Hopkins University. Anuszewski was part of Maryland Task Force 2 for Urban Search and Rescue as a communications specialist and as task force leader. Anuszewski and his wife Anna are lifelong residents of Howard County.