In a Move Set to Drive More Positive Change in the Fire Service Industry, Anne Arundel County Fire Chief Trisha Wolford Takes Helm as President of International Association of Fire Chiefs
Anne Arundel County Fire Chief Trisha L. Wolford was sworn in as the 2025-2026 President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) this past Friday. In this voluntary board position, Chief Wolford will continue to advocate for firefighters and the fire service nationally through federal initiatives and fire safety legislation.
The IAFC, established in 1873, supports firefighters and emergency responders globally by fostering leadership, sharing ideas, promoting professional development, and providing access to cutting-edge products and services. Chief Wolford previously served as the IAFC's First Vice President.
As the 12th Fire Chief, Chief Wolford leads the Anne Arundel County Fire Department, which serves over 650,000 community members across 580 square miles with 31 fire stations. Her team includes over 1,050 career firefighters, approximately 500 operational volunteer firefighters, 950 administrative volunteers, 34 fire communications operators, and 58 civilian support staff.
Chief Wolford began her career with the Anne Arundel County Fire Department as a firefighter on January 26, 2006. She worked as a firefighter/paramedic before moving to the Fire Marshal’s Office in 2011. After attending the Anne Arundel County Police Academy, she became a law enforcement officer in May 2012, assigned to the Fire and Explosives Investigation Unit, and was promoted to Lieutenant in 2014. Her law enforcement and paramedic experience also included four years with the Anne Arundel County Tactical Medic SWAT program.
Chief Wolford holds a Master's Degree in Management and Organizational Leadership (2020) and an MBA (2022) from Western Governors University. She also earned a Bachelor's Degree from Shepherd University and a Paramedic certification from Anne Arundel Community College, where she became a Nationally Registered Paramedic. Additionally, Chief Wolford is a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy and the IAFC's Fire Service Executive Development Institute, holding credentials from the Center for Public Safety Excellence.
As the 12th Fire Chief, Chief Wolford leads the Anne Arundel County Fire Department, which serves over 650,000 community members across 580 square miles with 31 fire stations. Her team includes over 1,050 career firefighters, approximately 500 operational volunteer firefighters, 950 administrative volunteers, 34 fire communications operators, and 58 civilian support staff.
Chief Wolford began her career with the Anne Arundel County Fire Department as a firefighter on January 26, 2006. She worked as a firefighter/paramedic before moving to the Fire Marshal’s Office in 2011. After attending the Anne Arundel County Police Academy, she became a law enforcement officer in May 2012, assigned to the Fire and Explosives Investigation Unit, and was promoted to Lieutenant in 2014. Her law enforcement and paramedic experience also included four years with the Anne Arundel County Tactical Medic SWAT program.
Chief Wolford holds a Master's Degree in Management and Organizational Leadership (2020) and an MBA (2022) from Western Governors University. She also earned a Bachelor's Degree from Shepherd University and a Paramedic certification from Anne Arundel Community College, where she became a Nationally Registered Paramedic. Additionally, Chief Wolford is a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy and the IAFC's Fire Service Executive Development Institute, holding credentials from the Center for Public Safety Excellence.
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