Public Safety (GPS) — Title 7. Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Subtitle 1. Mutual Aid Agreements by Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 7-101 (2026)
Title 7. Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
Subtitle 1. Mutual Aid Agreements by Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
§ 7–101LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)
“Fire, rescue, or emergency medical services entity” means:
(1)
a governmental subdivision, by its appropriate designated authority;
(2)
a board or fire commission of a fire department or governmental subdivision;
(3)
a fire department;
(4)
a fire company;
(5)
a rescue squad; or
(6)
an emergency medical services unit, including an entity that provides emergency medical services at any level.
(c)
(1)
“Mutual aid agreement” means an agreement to establish and carry out a plan to assist in extinguishing fires and preserving life and property by providing fire fighting, rescue, or emergency medical equipment, personnel, and services.
(2)
“Mutual aid agreement” includes a reciprocal agreement entered into in accordance with this section and § 7–103 of this subtitle before July 1, 1989.
Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 7-102 (2026)
Title 7. Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
Subtitle 1. Mutual Aid Agreements by Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
§ 7–102LinkCopy Citation
This subtitle shall be liberally construed in order to effect its purpose to provide mutual aid for a fire, rescue, or emergency medical services entity in time of need.
Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 7-103 (2026)
Title 7. Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
Subtitle 1. Mutual Aid Agreements by Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
§ 7–103LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A fire, rescue, or emergency medical services entity may enter into and renew a mutual aid agreement in accordance with this section with:
(1)
Delaware;
(2)
the District of Columbia;
(3)
Pennsylvania;
(4)
Virginia;
(5)
West Virginia; or
(6)
a fire, rescue, or emergency medical services entity of this State, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, or West Virginia.
(b)
(1)
Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a mutual aid agreement may provide that a party that requests assistance under the mutual aid agreement indemnifies and holds harmless a party that provides assistance under the mutual aid agreement from any claim by a third party for property damage or personal injury that arises out of the mutual aid activities, including travel, of the party that provides assistance that occurs outside its own jurisdiction.
(2)
The party that requests assistance need not indemnify the party that provides assistance if:
(i)
the party that provides assistance does not cooperate in defending against a claim made by a third party; or
(ii)
the claim by a third party arises out of a malicious act of the party that provides assistance.
(c)
Each mutual aid agreement shall provide that each party to the mutual aid agreement shall waive any and all claims against all other parties to the mutual aid agreement if the claim arises out of the activities of a party outside its own jurisdiction under the mutual aid agreement.
Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 7-104 (2026)
Title 7. Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
Subtitle 1. Mutual Aid Agreements by Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
§ 7–104LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A fire, rescue, or emergency medical services entity may enter into an agreement with the federal government in accordance with this section to provide fire fighting or rescue activities on property under the jurisdiction of the United States.
(b)
An agreement entered into under this section shall be limited to the provision of fire fighting or rescue equipment and personnel or both.
(c)
An agreement entered into under this section shall include:
(1)
a waiver by each party of any claim against any other party for compensation for any loss, damage, personal injury, or death that occurs in the performance of the agreement;
(2)
a provision to indemnify and hold harmless each party to the agreement from any claim by a third party for property damage or personal injury, within the limitations permitted by federal law, that arise out of the activities of each party to the agreement; and
(3)
a provision that entitles the fire, rescue, or emergency medical services entity to obtain reimbursement from the appropriate federal authority for all or part of the cost of providing fire protection on property under the jurisdiction of the United States in accordance with federal law.
(d)
If an individual engaging in an activity authorized under this section sustains an injury that arises out of the activity, the individual is entitled to any or all benefits available under the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Act as the primary remedy for reimbursement of expenses for medical bills, loss of earnings, and disability that arises under or as a result of this section.
Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 7-105 (2026)
Title 7. Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
Subtitle 1. Mutual Aid Agreements by Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
§ 7–105LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Each fire department in the State may have members trained in response measures that involve fire and other emergency techniques including, if approved by the Secretary of State Police, the use of helicopters or other equipment of the Department of State Police.
(b)
On request of a fire chief at any location in the State, a firefighter or member of the Department of State Police who has been trained in the response measures described in subsection (a) of this section may function at that location.
Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 7-106 (2026)
Title 7. Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
Subtitle 1. Mutual Aid Agreements by Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
§ 7–106LinkCopy Citation
For purposes of a workers’ compensation or other law or benefit that would accrue to an individual, career or volunteer, who is performing a service anywhere for a fire, rescue, or emergency medical services entity under a mutual aid agreement, the individual is considered to have performed that service in the course of employment and in the line of duty.
Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 7-107 (2026)
Title 7. Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
Subtitle 1. Mutual Aid Agreements by Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
§ 7–107LinkCopy Citation
Necessary expenditures for purposes of this subtitle shall be made out of any appropriations usually available to a fire, rescue, or emergency medical services entity.
Subtitle 2. Members of Volunteer Fire Companies and Rescue Squads
Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 7-201 (2026)
Title 7. Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
Subtitle 2. Members of Volunteer Fire Companies and Rescue Squads
§ 7–201LinkCopy Citation
In Part I of this subtitle, “Board” means the Board of Trustees of the Maryland State Firefighters Association.
Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 7-202 (2026)
Title 7. Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
Subtitle 2. Members of Volunteer Fire Companies and Rescue Squads
§ 7–202LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
A member of a volunteer fire company or volunteer rescue squad is eligible for disability benefits from the Maryland State Firefighters Association if:
(i)
the member’s fire company or rescue squad recommends that the member receive benefits; and
(ii)
the member is permanently or temporarily disabled:
(1)
as a direct result of actively participating in fighting a fire;
(2)
while going to or from a fire;
(3)
while performing other duties necessary to the operation or maintenance of the fire company;
(4)
while actively participating in the emergency medical services unit, or rescue work of a volunteer advanced life support unit or a volunteer fire, ambulance, or rescue company located in the State; or
(5)
while providing emergency or rescue assistance, whether acting alone or at the direction of or with a fire, ambulance, or rescue company or advanced life support unit.
(2)
A benefit under this section shall be paid:
(i)
regardless of the district in which the beneficiary was disabled; or
(ii)
regardless of whether the beneficiary was disabled in this State, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, or West Virginia.
(b)
The Board shall pay a benefit under this section from the treasury of the Maryland State Firefighters Association in the amount and in the manner that the Board determines until the beneficiary is no longer disabled.
(c)
The secretary of the Board shall add the name of each beneficiary under this section to the Disabled Firefighter’s and Rescue Squad Person’s List.
Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 7-203 (2026)
Title 7. Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
Subtitle 2. Members of Volunteer Fire Companies and Rescue Squads
§ 7–203LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
The Board shall pay death benefits under this section if a member of a volunteer fire company or member of a volunteer rescue squad dies:
(i)
as a direct result of actively participating in fighting a fire;
(ii)
while going to or from a fire;
(iii)
while performing other duties necessary to the operation or maintenance of the fire company;
(iv)
while actively participating in the ambulance, advanced life support, or rescue work of a volunteer advanced life support unit or volunteer fire, ambulance, or rescue company located in the State; or
(v)
while providing emergency or rescue assistance, whether acting alone or at the direction of or with a fire, ambulance, or rescue company or advanced life support unit.
(2)
A benefit under this subsection shall be paid:
(i)
regardless of the district in which the decedent died; or
(ii)
regardless of whether the decedent died in this State, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, or West Virginia.
(b)
(1)
The Board shall pay a benefit under this section from the treasury of the Maryland State Firefighters Association in the amount that the Board determines, but not less than $2,000.
(2)
The Board shall pay a benefit under this subsection:
(i)
to the decedent’s surviving spouse or dependent child;
(ii)
if no individual is eligible under item (i) of this paragraph, to the decedent’s surviving dependent parent;
(iii)
if no individual is eligible under item (i) or (ii) of this paragraph, to each surviving child of the decedent in equal shares;
(iv)
if no individual is eligible under item (i), (ii), or (iii) of this paragraph, to the decedent’s surviving parent; or
(v)
if no individual is eligible under item (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) of this paragraph, to each surviving sister, brother, or grandparent of the decedent in equal shares.
(c)
(1)
If there is a surviving spouse or dependent child:
(i)
until the surviving spouse remarries, the surviving spouse is entitled to receive a pension from the Maryland State Firefighters Association; and
(ii)
until the dependent child becomes an adult, each dependent child is entitled to receive a pension from the Maryland State Firefighters Association.
(2)
The Board shall pay a benefit under this subsection from the treasury of the Maryland State Firefighters Association in the amount, at the times, and in the installments that the Board determines.
(3)
The secretary of the Board shall add the name of each beneficiary under this subsection to the Disabled Firefighter’s and Rescue Squad Person’s List.
Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 7-204 (2026)
Title 7. Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
Subtitle 2. Members of Volunteer Fire Companies and Rescue Squads
§ 7–204LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Governor shall include in the State budget each year at least $55,000:
(1)
for the purposes set forth in §§ 7-202 and 7-203 of this subtitle; and
(2)
for scholarships for children of members of volunteer fire companies or volunteer rescue squads who are killed or disabled in the line of duty, as provided in § 18-602 of the Education Article.
(b)
The Board:
(1)
shall administer the money provided under subsection (a) of this section; and
(2)
may not use it for administrative costs.
Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 7-205 (2026)
Title 7. Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
Subtitle 2. Members of Volunteer Fire Companies and Rescue Squads
§ 7–205LinkCopy Citation
A member of a volunteer fire company or rescue squad who is engaged in a fire fighting or rescue activity with an organized fire or rescue company is considered to be on duty during the activity for the purposes of the Federal Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Act of 1976.
Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 7-208 (2026)
Title 7. Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
Subtitle 2. Members of Volunteer Fire Companies and Rescue Squads
§ 7–208LinkCopy Citation
In Calvert County, the fire and rescue commission shall administer a length of service award program for members of volunteer fire companies and rescue squads, as provided in Title 14 of the Code of Public Local Laws of Calvert County.
Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 7-209 (2026)
Title 7. Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
Subtitle 2. Members of Volunteer Fire Companies and Rescue Squads
§ 7–209LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
“Board” means the Board of County Commissioners of Cecil County.
(3)
“Program” means the Volunteer Length of Service Award Program.
(b)
In Cecil County, the Board may establish and fund a Volunteer Length of Service Award Program for qualified members of volunteer fire departments, rescue squads, and ambulance corps.
(c)
(1)
The Board may adopt bylaws for the Program by resolution.
(2)
In the bylaws, the Board may:
(i)
define terms;
(ii)
establish eligibility requirements for certification procedures based on length of service, number of hours of service, amount of training, number of hours of training, prior service, or any other criteria considered relevant by the Board based on requirements and procedures recommended by the Cecil County Firemen’s Association;
(iii)
establish appeals procedures for members who contest eligibility requirement determinations by the Board;
(iv)
establish a benefits schedule and determine eligibility requirements, including age and length of service requirements;
(v)
delegate record–keeping responsibilities of the Program to the Program administrative committee of the Cecil County Firemen’s Association;
(vi)
delegate administration of the Program to the Cecil County treasurer, a committee or board, an insurer, a financial institution, or any other agency, group, or organization that the Board determines is competent to administer the Program;
(vii)
subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, establish disability, death, and survivor benefits for qualified individuals;
(viii)
establish any other requirements, criteria, or benefits considered by the Board to be in the best interest of Cecil County and the best interest of the volunteer fire departments, rescue squads, and ambulance corps;
(ix)
subject to paragraph (4) of this subsection, allocate from the general revenue of Cecil County or from any other source, funds for the Program; and
(x)
establish any other provision for the administration of the Program.
(3)
A surviving spouse benefit is discontinued when the survivor remarries.
(4)
Funds for the Program allocated from the general revenue of Cecil County may not exceed:
(i)
$35,000 during the first year of the Program;
(ii)
$39,000 during the second year of the Program;
(iii)
$44,000 during the third year of the Program;
(iv)
$49,000 during the fourth year of the Program;
(v)
$55,000 during the fifth year of the Program; and
(vi)
an additional $10,000 for each additional year of the Program or whatever amount would make the Program actuarially sound by July 1, 2014.
(d)
To carry out this section, the Board shall adopt the following provisions as part of the Program:
(1)
a member who has certified credit volunteer service on or after January 1, 1979 or who discontinued active volunteer service before January 1, 1979 may receive credit for this service after being certified in accordance with this section to have performed 5 years of active volunteer service after January 1, 1979;
(2)
a member who has completed 25 years of certified volunteer service and is under the age of 60 years may be qualified and will be eligible for benefits when the member reaches the age of 60 years if the member is certified to the 25 years of qualified service before January 1, 1984;
(3)
after January 1, 1984, and on or before June 30, 2008, a member who accumulates the proper number of points needed to qualify and certify for 25 years of service and who fails to remain active or maintain membership in a volunteer fire company is not disqualified or otherwise restricted from receiving benefits at the age of 60 years; and
(4)
on or after July 1, 2008, a member who accumulates the proper number of points needed to qualify and certify for 25 years of service may receive benefits at the age of 55 years.
Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 7-210 (2026)
Title 7. Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
Subtitle 2. Members of Volunteer Fire Companies and Rescue Squads
§ 7–210LinkCopy Citation
In Charles County, the County Commissioners shall administer the length of service award program for members of volunteer fire companies, rescue squads, and mobile intensive care units, as provided in §§ 54-8 through 54-11 of the Code of Public Local Laws of Charles County.
Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 7-211 (2026)
Title 7. Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
Subtitle 2. Members of Volunteer Fire Companies and Rescue Squads
§ 7–211LinkCopy Citation
(a)
To encourage volunteer service in Frederick County, the governing body of Frederick County may enact a monetary service award plan based on length of service for members of volunteer fire companies in Frederick County.
(b)
The governing body of Frederick County may implement the plan by enacting an ordinance that relates to the provisions and implementation of the plan.
Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 7-212 (2026)
Title 7. Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
Subtitle 2. Members of Volunteer Fire Companies and Rescue Squads
§ 7–212LinkCopy Citation
The Board of County Commissioners of St. Mary’s County may:
(1)
establish a length of service award program for qualified members of volunteer fire departments and rescue squads; and
(2)
adopt bylaws for the program by resolution.
Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 7-212.1 (2026)
Title 7. Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
Subtitle 2. Members of Volunteer Fire Companies and Rescue Squads
§ 7–212.1LinkCopy Citation
By resolution or ordinance, the Board of County Commissioners for Somerset County may establish and fund a volunteer service award program for qualified members of volunteer fire departments, ambulance companies, and rescue squads.
Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 7-213 (2026)
Title 7. Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
Subtitle 2. Members of Volunteer Fire Companies and Rescue Squads
§ 7–213LinkCopy Citation
By resolution or ordinance, the Washington County Commissioners may establish and fund a volunteer length of service award program for qualified members of volunteer fire departments, rescue squads, and ambulance corps.
Subtitle 3. Members of Fire Companies Appointed as Deputy Sheriffs
Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 7-301 (2026)
Title 7. Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
Subtitle 3. Members of Fire Companies Appointed as Deputy Sheriffs
§ 7–301LinkCopy Citation
In this subtitle, “commanding officer” means the captain, chief, or other officer in charge of a fire company or ambulance company.
Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 7-302 (2026)
Title 7. Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
Subtitle 3. Members of Fire Companies Appointed as Deputy Sheriffs
§ 7–302LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies only to Baltimore County, Dorchester County, and Queen Anne’s County.
(b)
The sheriff of a county subject to this section may appoint as deputy sheriffs members of fire companies, whether volunteer, career, incorporated, or unincorporated, to exercise the powers of deputy sheriffs at fires and while going to and from fires.
(c)
(1)
The commanding officer may designate three members of the fire company to be appointed as deputy sheriffs.
(2)
The commanding officer may be one of the three members designated under this subsection.
(d)
(1)
The sheriff of a county subject to this section shall appoint as deputy sheriff a member of the fire company designated under subsection (c) of this section on request of the designated member.
(2)
A request for appointment shall be accompanied by a written certificate of designation signed by the commanding officer.
(e)
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a member of a fire company appointed as deputy sheriff under this section may exercise the powers of deputy sheriffs at fires and while going to and from fires.
(2)
The powers of members appointed as deputy sheriffs do not apply and may not be exercised in a municipal corporation that maintains an organized police force.
(f)
(1)
The appointment of a member of a fire company as deputy sheriff terminates if the member ceases to be a member of the fire company.
(2)
The sheriff of a county subject to this section may remove a member appointed as deputy sheriff at any time for just cause.
(3)
If a member appointed as deputy sheriff dies, resigns, is dismissed, refuses to serve, or is unable to serve, the commanding officer may designate another member of the fire company to be appointed as deputy sheriff.
(4)
If the commanding officer designates another member of the fire company to be appointed as deputy sheriff, the sheriff of the county shall appoint that member as deputy sheriff, subject to subsections (d) and (e) of this section.
Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 7-303 (2026)
Title 7. Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
Subtitle 3. Members of Fire Companies Appointed as Deputy Sheriffs
§ 7–303LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
This section applies only to Allegany County, Caroline County, Carroll County, Dorchester County, Frederick County, Harford County, Kent County, Somerset County, Talbot County, Wicomico County, and Worcester County.
(2)
Except as modified by this section, the provisions of § 7–302 of this subtitle apply to this section.
(b)
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the commanding officer may designate 12 members of a fire company to be appointed as deputy sheriffs.
(2)
In Harford County, the commanding officer may designate 20 members of a fire company to be appointed as deputy sheriffs.
(c)
(1)
The sheriff of a county subject to this section may require a member of a fire company appointed as deputy sheriff to demonstrate a satisfactory level of training in those areas of law enforcement commensurate with the duties of deputy sheriff described in this section.
(2)
If the sheriff requires demonstration of a satisfactory level of training, then the sheriff must provide the training, at a time and place that the sheriff considers suitable.
(d)
(1)
The powers of members of fire companies appointed as deputy sheriffs under this section are limited to those necessary to perform the duties of deputy sheriffs while functioning at:
(i)
parades;
(ii)
accidents;
(iii)
floods;
(iv)
other emergencies; or
(v)
public events conducted by or under the auspices of a fire company or the sheriff’s department.
(2)
The powers authorized under this subsection may be exercised:
(i)
in a municipal corporation, subject to the discretion and control of the chief of the police force of the municipal corporation;
(ii)
in other areas of the county; and
(iii)
on State roads, subject to the discretion and control of the Department of State Police.
(3)
A member appointed as deputy sheriff is deemed to be performing the duties of deputy sheriff when on duty and wearing a badge of authority.
(4)
A member appointed as deputy sheriff may not use a weapon in the performance of duties authorized under this subsection.
(5)
In Allegany County, Caroline County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Harford County, and Talbot County, a member appointed as deputy sheriff may also perform traffic control for public functions held by a municipal corporation, group, or committee on request for and approval of the services by the sheriff.
(e)
(1)
(i)
A member appointed as deputy sheriff performing the duties of deputy sheriff in an emergency situation to which a fire company or ambulance company has been dispatched by the Allegany County Emergency Management Center in Allegany County, the Frederick County Central Alarm Board in Frederick County, or the Carroll County Emergency Operations Center in Carroll County, is subject to the authority of the commanding officer of that fire company or ambulance company.
(ii)
If a member appointed as deputy sheriff is not a member in good standing of the fire company or ambulance company that has been dispatched, then the member may not perform the duties described in this section.
(2)
A member appointed as deputy sheriff performing the duties of deputy sheriff at a public event conducted by or under the auspices of a fire company or ambulance company is subject to the authority of the commanding officer of that fire company or ambulance company.
Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 7-304 (2026)
Title 7. Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
Subtitle 3. Members of Fire Companies Appointed as Deputy Sheriffs
§ 7–304LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “fire and ambulance company” means a volunteer, career, incorporated, or unincorporated fire or ambulance company.
(b)
This section applies only to Cecil County and Washington County.
(c)
(1)
(i)
The commanding officer may designate to the sheriff of a county up to 20 individuals who are members of the commanding officer’s fire or ambulance company to be appointed as fire police.
(ii)
A written certificate of designation signed by the commanding officer shall accompany each request for appointment under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.
(2)
(i)
The Sheriff of Washington County shall appoint individuals to serve as fire police in Washington County from those members designated by the commanding officer under paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(ii)
The Sheriff of Cecil County may appoint individuals to serve as fire police in Cecil County from those members designated by the commanding officer under paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(d)
(1)
The powers of individuals serving as fire police are limited to traffic control and scene safety while functioning at:
(i)
parades;
(ii)
accidents;
(iii)
fires;
(iv)
floods;
(v)
other emergencies; or
(vi)
public events conducted by a fire or ambulance company or the Sheriff’s department.
(2)
The powers authorized under this subsection may be exercised:
(i)
in a municipal corporation in the county, subject to the discretion and control of the chief of the police force of the municipal corporation; or
(ii)
in other areas of the county.
(3)
An individual appointed to serve as fire police in Washington County may not use a weapon in the performance of duties authorized under this subsection.
(e)
(1)
The appointment of a member of a fire or ambulance company as fire police terminates if the member ceases to be a member of the fire or ambulance company.
(2)
The sheriff of a county may remove a member appointed as fire police at any time.
(3)
If a member appointed to serve as fire police dies, resigns, is dismissed, refuses to serve, or is unable to serve, the commanding officer may designate another member of the fire or ambulance company to be appointed as fire police.
(f)
An individual appointed to serve as fire police in Washington County under this section is deemed an appointed official and shall be treated as an appointed official for purposes of Title 22 and Title 23 of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.
Subtitle 4
Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 7-401 (2026)
Title 7. Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
Subtitle 4
§ 7–401LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section does not apply to nonemergency transportation or ambulance billing services performed by an ambulance service or by any other provider.
(b)
A county or municipal corporation that bargains collectively with fire, emergency medical services, paramedic, and rescue personnel may not contract with a for-profit entity to provide the county’s or municipal corporation’s complete fire suppression or ambulance and rescue services without the enactment of an ordinance or other local law that authorizes the action.
(c)
The requirement that a county or municipal corporation enact an ordinance or other local law under subsection (b) of this section may not be satisfied through the enactment of a local budget bill.
Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 7-402 (2026)
Title 7. Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
Subtitle 4
§ 7–402LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person may not willfully interfere with or obstruct a firefighter, a rescue squad member, or emergency services personnel while the firefighter, rescue squad member, or emergency services personnel:
(1)
is fighting a fire, performing emergency services, or proceeding to a fire or other emergency; or
(2)
is dispatched on a call for emergency services.
(b)
A person may not, with fraudulent design on person or property, falsely represent that the person is a member of a career or volunteer fire department, rescue squad, or emergency services unit of the State or a county or municipal corporation of the State.
(c)
A person may not have, use, wear, or display without proper authority, for the purpose of deception, a uniform, shield, button, ornament, identification, or shoulder patch, or a simulation or imitation of these articles, adopted by a career or volunteer fire department, rescue squad, or emergency services unit.
(d)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years.
Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 7-403 (2026)
Title 7. Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
Subtitle 4
§ 7–403LinkCopy Citation
If no public water source is available to a fire company to supply water to extinguish a fire or mitigate an emergency incident, a fire company may enter private property to obtain water from a private water source, such as a privately owned pond, lake, river, stream, canal, cistern, or swimming pool, to extinguish the fire or otherwise mitigate the emergency incident.
Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 7-404 (2026)
Title 7. Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities
Subtitle 4
§ 7–404LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
“Peer support program” means an evidence–based program provided by a fire, rescue, or emergency medical services entity or the International Association of Firefighters that provides evidence–based support from a peer support specialist to a member of a fire, rescue, or emergency medical services entity.
(3)
“Peer support specialist” means a member of a fire, rescue, or emergency medical services entity or the International Association of Firefighters who:
(i)
has received evidence–based training in peer support, including emotional and moral support to members of fire, rescue, or emergency medical services entities who have been involved in or exposed to an emotionally traumatic experience in the course of duty as a member of a fire, rescue, or emergency medical services entity; and
(ii)
is designated by the fire, rescue, or emergency medical services entity to provide the services described in item (i) of this paragraph.
(b)
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a peer support specialist or peer support participant may not disclose the contents of any written or oral communication regarding a peer support interaction.
(2)
Paragraph (1) of this subsection does not apply if:
(i)
the communication contains:
(1)
an explicit threat of suicide, the disclosure of which the peer support specialist believes is necessary to avoid a suicide attempt;
(2)
an explicit threat of imminent and serious bodily harm or death to a clearly identified or identifiable individual;
(3)
information relating to the abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult, or abuse or neglect that is otherwise required to be reported by law; or
(4)
the admission of criminal conduct;
(ii)
the disclosure is authorized by each peer support participant who was a party to the communication; or
(iii)
a court of competent jurisdiction issues an order or subpoena requiring the disclosure of the communication.
(3)
Before the initial peer support interaction with a peer support participant, a peer support specialist shall inform the peer support participant in writing of the confidentiality provisions in this subsection.
(c)
(1)
On or before October 1, 2024, the Behavioral Health Administration, in consultation with the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems, shall develop a report on best practices and professional standards for evidence–based peer support programs, including:
(i)
guidelines for establishing and operating peer support programs;
(ii)
guidelines for training and certifying peer support specialists;
(iii)
a code of ethics for peer support specialists;
(iv)
recommendations for continuing education for peer support specialists;
(v)
suggestions on disclosing confidentiality rights to any potential peer support participants;
(vi)
information on the different types of peer support programs used by fire, rescue, or emergency medical services entities;
(vii)
information regarding any differences in the types of peer support programs offered between each type of entity; and
(viii)
information on the role of senior members of fire, rescue, or emergency medical services entities in supporting access to mental health resources.
(2)
Following the completion of the report required under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Behavioral Health Administration shall make the following information publicly available on the Administration’s website:
(i)
the published report; and
(ii)
a list of evidence–based peer support specialist training programs.