D-Shift

D-Shift continued its commitment to excellence in 2025 by continuously raising the bar through intensive training and professional development. 

We are dedicated to developing our personnel through field training programs led by exceptional leaders who take on additional roles, ensuring the highest standards of performance, safety, and service delivery across all ranks and disciplines. This past year, we saw significant growth, with numerous rookies across all battalions successfully completing Phase II training and transitioning off probationary status. Furthermore, our newest paramedics underwent comprehensive Advanced Life Support (ALS) field training with dedicated mentors, ultimately earning clearance from the Medical Director, Dr. Wendell, to function at a higher capacity, significantly enhancing our emergency medical services (EMS). Simultaneously, we invested in our future by supporting new company officers in our officer development program. During this time, they learn their new role by developing leadership, fireground operations, and station management skills with the guidance of a company training officer. 

A focal point of our training efforts was maintaining and exceeding our Core Competency skills for both fire suppression and EMS. We also significantly enhanced operational cohesion through dedicated cross-battalion training, ensuring the highest level of preparedness and seamless responses to our community members. 

Lastly, D Shift bid farewell to Battalion Chief Paul Doherty, who retired from the Second Battalion after dedicating an extraordinary 35 years of service to the Anne Arundel County Fire Department. His commitment defined a generation of service, and we wish him a long, well-earned, and much-deserved retirement. With this transition, we are proud to welcome newly promoted Battalion Chief Mike Barnes to D Shift, ready to uphold the tradition of excellence.

-Chief Chen