Firefighters union alleges ‘toxic environment’ in Baltimore County Fire Department, holds votes of no confidence

When she became Baltimore County Fire Chief in July 2019, Joanne Rund said her priority would be enhancing safety protections for firefighters and upgrading aging fire stations. She was applauded for bringing new perspective as Baltimore County Fire Department’s first permanently appointed female leader. But four years later, firefighters say a “toxic environment” created by department leaders has led to poor morale, a shortage of staff and inconsistency in how discipline is meted out.