HCDFRS Promotes John Butler to Deputy

John Butler, a 19-year veteran of the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services and teacher who has traveled the world volunteering with less fortunate firefighters, has been promoted to Deputy Chief.

“I’m honored to be selected to serve in this capacity,” Butler said in a statement. “I love this department and look forward to doing what I can to further our services to the community.”

Butler, 44, of Ellicott City, has been with the department since 1993 when he joined as a firefighter. He moved up to Assistant Chief for the Administrative Services Bureau where he managed the operating budget, human resources issues and other administrative duties before being appointed Deputy Chief.

In March, – where he was born – to help train firefighters in a country where there is only one fire truck and firefighters are severely underequipped.

“It was humbling,” he said in April of the experience. “I can’t focus on that enough. What these people were willing to do. To fight fires without helmets. To fight fires without turnout gear. To go into burning buildings, hold their breath, fight the fire, then come out and get a breath. It really makes you appreciate what we have, particularly in Howard County." 

County Executive Ken Ulman joined HCDFRS Chief William Goddard at a promotional ceremony at Butler's office.

“Deputy Chief Butler is a great leader and he understands what it takes to keep our firefighters and paramedics safe, while doing our part to contribute to the good of the county,” Goddard said.  

Ulman added: “John has worked hard to rise through the ranks to this second-in-command position; and he’s had the support of two great families along the way – his own family and his fire service family.”

In addition to being a firefighter, Butler is an emergency medical technician-paramedic and Maryland State Certified Emergency Services Instructor. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Baltimore with a triple major in management, history and government/public policy. He also has a master’s degree in management from Johns Hopkins University.