Joanne Rund was sworn in as the fire chief for Baltimore County Fire Department on Monday, becoming the first woman to permanently hold that position with the department, which was founded in the late 1880s. She takes over for Acting Chief Jennifer Aubert-Utz, who has run the department following the retirment of Chief Kyrle Preis.
“To be chosen as a member of this team is one of the greatest honors of my life,” Rund said at her swearing-in ceremony at Patriot Plaza in Towson, according to The Baltimore Sun.
Before becoming chief, Rund served for more than 30 years with Howard County Fire and Rescue in a variety of roles. She had previously volunteered as a Carroll County EMS provider.
Rund's appointment means the leadership roles at Baltimore County's four public safety agencies are held by women. Last month, Melissa Hyatt was sworn in as the county's police chief, the Sun reports.
