Annapolis, MD ( August 2, 2004) - Today, Anne Arundel County Executive Janet S. Owens announced her appointment of Ronald D. Blackwell to the position of Fire Chief. Chief Blackwell joins Anne Arundel County from neighboring Prince George's County, where he has been Fire Chief since September 2001. "This is a major coup for Anne Arundel County. Chief Blackwell brings more than 25 years of fire service experience from both metropolitan and suburban areas. His specific experience with airport and military institutions seems tailor made to the needs of Anne Arundel County," Ms. Owens said. "His experience, wisdom and management skills will only further enhance our excellent Fire Department." Chief Blackwell has been with Prince George's County since 1999, serving as Deputy Fire Chief from June 1999 to September 2001, and as Fire Chief since September 2001. Prince George's County has a combination career and volunteer department which serves a population of more than 800,000, with 45 fire stations, 696 career fire fighters and 1,200 volunteers, and a budget of more than $70 million. From 1975 to June 1999, Chief Blackwell served in the Wichita, Kansas Fire Department where he was promoted through the ranks to the position of Deputy Fire Chief. Wichita has a metropolitan fire department serving 300,000 residents in a geographic area of 130 square miles. Prior to his service in the Wichita Fire Department, Chief Blackwell was an airport safety officer for Mid-Continent Airport, also in Wichita and a Fire Protection Specialist with the United States Air Force both in continental and overseas installations. Chief Blackwell has a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Master of Public Education from Wichita State University. He was trained at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland and was a member of Leadership Prince George's, Class XV. A volunteer with Prince George's County Schools, Chief Blackwell resides in Bowie, Maryland with his wife and children. Chief Blackwell's employment with Anne Arundel County begins on August 23, 2004. His annual salary will be $120,000. Chief Blackwell will manage a department with 721 employees and a budget of $72,242,600. | 
