Baltimore County Fire Chief John J. Hohman announced on Friday that he will retire as Chief effective June 30th.

Hohman joined the Baltimore County Fire Department in 1977, and was appointed Chief in 2000. He is the longest serving Fire Chief in Baltimore County history.

“I have advised the County Executive that I will be retiring from the Baltimore County Fire Department on June 30. It has been a privilege to serve the citizens of Baltimore County for the past 40 years,” said Chief Hohman. “I have confidence that the department will continue to excel. I am particularly proud of our success in increasing the number of medic units in service, the financial support for volunteer fire companies, and the number of women and minorities in this organization. The people of this department impressed me every single day.”

“John has been an outstanding Fire Chief and a good friend for many years. He has led the more than 1,000 men and women of the Baltimore County Fire Department and more than 2,000 volunteers with distinction, making the department one of the finest in the nation,” said Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz. “When I was re-elected in 2014, John promised me that he would remain as Chief until he reached 40 years of service. I feel very fortunate that we were able to coax an extra six months out of him. I wish him well as his journey continues.”

With Chief Hohman’s retirement, County Executive Kamenetz has appointed Assistant Chief Kyrle Preis III to serve as Acting Fire Chief effective July 1, and will submit his name to the County Council for confirmation as permanent Chief immediately.

Assistant Chief Preis began his career in Baltimore County as an Emergency Medical Technician in 1990. More recently, he served as Director of Emergency Medical Services and Battalion Chief, before being promoted to Assistant Chief in June 2012.

“Kyrle is eminently qualified to assume leadership of the Baltimore County Fire Department,” said Kamenetz. “During his 26 years of service he has been involved in every aspect of management, and he has gained the respect of those in and out of the department.”

“I am humbled by my selection and look forward to continuing Baltimore County’s tradition of excellence in the Fire Department,” said Preis. “I am energized by this opportunity and will build upon our success, particularly our efforts to diversify our ranks. I thank Chief Hohman for his years of service and for his support throughout my career.”