A proposal to revamp fire and rescue in Frederick County was adopted Tuesday night by the Commissioners, despite strong opposition from some citizens.

Elected officials had two proposals to consider: one would have named the head of fire and rescue as a "chief," and other would name that person as a "director," who would be responsible for administrative duties, unlike a chief who would be in command of fire ground operations. But the individual occupying the job of director would have the rank of chief. It would also set up an advisory board as opposed to a council, with membership from the volunteer community.

Many of those who spoke said either proposal could lead to the demise of the volunteer service. Attorney William Haugh, who was representing the Independent Hose Company of Frederick, said he has heard that some volunteers may not participate. "I've had people come up to me and say 'I'm not going to put up with this. I done this for 30 years. I'm not going to do this any more. They're taking my autonomy away from me and I'm not going to do it,'" he said.

Thurmont Mayor Marty Burns expressed a similar opinion. "You cannot and will not be able to undo this, gentlemen. You will not be able to undo this. And you will be at fault for opening the door to the demise of the autonomy of the volunteer fire and rescue service," he said.

Vaughn Zimmerman, representing the Walkersville Volunteer Fire Company and the Walkersville Rescue Company, said it could lead to conflicts at the fire scene between volunteer fire fighters and career fire fighters. "A fire company and its chief respond to a fire, set up a command for a house charged with smoke, and decide to ventilate by opening the windows. But the battalion chief, who represents the county fire chief or director, decides that ventilation should be made by opening a hole in the roof. Then the local fire company can be overruled because they're in conflict," said Zimmerman. He continued by saying that could lead to fewer volunteers answering calls or even participating in the first place, which means the county would have to hire more career fire fighters. It currently employs 335 career fire fighters.

Walkersville Town Commissioner Chad Weddle, who brought along his fire helmet to emphasize that he's a volunteer, said the town would go its own way if either proposal passed. "The Town of Walkersville, as a recognized and incorporated Maryland municipality, will seek a municipal fire and rescue service, should this ordinance pass, similar to those run in Hagerstown, Ocean City and formerly Frederick City," he said.

Thurmont Town Commissioner John Kinnaird said the county should be encouraging its volunteers. "I would prefer the BOCC {Board of County Commissioners} and DFRS (Division of Fire and Rescue Services} focus on strengthening the volunteer companies in Frederick County before looking to assert more control over them," Kinnaird said.

The vote to approve was 3-to-1 with Commissioners Blaine Young, Paul Smith and Billy Shreve in favor, and Commissioner David Gray opposed. Commissioner Kirby Delauter was absent.

The recommendation will not take effect until July 1st, 2013, which Commissioner Young says gives the Fire and Rescue Service time to iron out all the details.

Commissioner Smith said this proposal is not perfect, but it doesn't prevent any changes from being made in the future.