St. Mary’s Fire Chiefs Implement Reforms After Line-Of-Duty Death Report

Photo credit – Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — The St. Mary’s County Fire Chiefs Council says it has begun implementing key safety reforms following the Deer Wood Park Drive after-action report, which analyzed the 2023 fire that claimed the life of Firefighter Brice Clayton Trossbach.

In a statement released Nov. 13, the council said it is adopting new leadership standards, training requirements and response procedures across the county’s volunteer fire corporations. The changes follow the 145-page independent review commissioned by the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department, which detailed communication failures, policy gaps and accountability lapses during the June 27, 2023 incident.

The Chiefs Council — made up of leaders from each of the county’s volunteer fire departments — said its members meet regularly to coordinate systemwide updates. Implementation is being led through the council in partnership with the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department and St. Mary’s County government.

Among the measures underway:

A countywide “duty chief” program to ensure an experienced command officer responds on high-priority calls based on availability.
Standardized minimum training qualifications for personnel serving in leadership roles across all volunteer corporations.
Revised structure-fire guidelines, including a greater emphasis on checking all levels of a building — including basements — for smoke and fire conditions before crews enter.

The original after-action review was led by Anne Arundel County Assistant Fire Chief Larry Schultz. It urged countywide reforms, unified command and written, enforceable policies to replace station-by-station practices. The council said it has formed a work group to review every recommendation, prioritize actions and help agencies implement changes.

“The line-of-duty death of Brice Trossbach was a terrible tragedy,” Commissioner Eric Colvin said. “Our volunteer fire departments took the right step to have a thorough review done after the incident. This is not about placing blame — this is about continuing to improve.

“I applaud our fire chiefs for stepping up and demonstrating the true leadership that earned them their position, and I am thankful that the steps they are taking will help prevent future accidents. We owe all of our first responders so much, and I am beyond thankful for them all and the service they do for our community.”

Officials said the aim is a better-coordinated, more disciplined system that strengthens training and culture while improving firefighter safety. The council added that it is committed to honoring Trossbach’s legacy by ensuring lessons learned translate into lasting change.

The council said it plans to issue additional progress updates in 2026 as training standards, command-response procedures and countywide policies are finalized.