From HoCo: Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman today named Deputy Chief Daniel G. Merson to serve as the Interim Fire Chief for the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) effective September 1, 2018. Merson will assume the position being vacated by Chief John S. Butler who was recently appointed chief of the Fairfax County, Virginia Fire and Rescue Department.

"We are fortunate to have such tremendous bench strength in our fire department," said Kittleman. "I know that while Chief Merson will have big shoes to fill, he is an eminently qualified leader who's made many significant contributions during his long career of service to the residents of our community." Merson is a lifelong resident of Howard County and has served with HCDFRS for 34 years. He began his fire service career as a volunteer for the Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department and has been an advanced life support provider/paramedic for his entire career. For more than 21 years, Merson has held a Chief Officer position. During that time, he has managed the Emergency Medical Services (EMS), served as a field Battalion Chief, was the Bureau Chief of Emergency Services, served as the Fire Marshal for the County and is currently the Deputy Fire Chief for support services.

"This is a great department going through a challenging time," said Merson, referring to the July 23 line of duty death of Lt. Nathan Flynn. "I am confident we will continue to bring vision and stability as we prepare for the future." "Chief Merson has extensive knowledge of county government, the department, national fire and EMS standards and strategic planning with an emphasis on human dignity," said Butler. "Howard County and this department are in good hands."

Chief Merson's diligent work in EMS was instrumental in improving the department's delivery of care to patients in the field through advanced technology and training. He taught advanced life support classes throughout the State and in 1999 was honored as the State EMS Provider of the Year. For more than a decade, Merson remained involved with the proper implementation of the Incident Command System and served as the Team Commander for the Central Maryland Incident Management Team, which includes 10 jurisdictions. Through his leadership, a new fire code was developed and approved to improve the fire and life safety of residents and guests throughout the County.

Merson holds a bachelor's degree from Liberty University and is currently enrolled in a master's program.