(A) The Office of the Fire Marshal (the "Fire Marshal") is hereby authorized and established as an office (the "Office") within the Garrett County Department of Emergency Services (the "Department"). The Fire Marshal shall be responsible for the functions of the Office as prescribed by the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) Title 6; and in accordance with the memorandum of understanding between the Office of the State Fire Marshal (the "State Fire Marshal") and the County Commissioners acting on behalf of the Department regarding the roles and responsibilities of the Office and the State Fire Marshal in carrying out their respective missions in Garrett County, Maryland.
(B) The Fire Marshal has the authority to investigate the origin, cause, and circumstances of every fire, explosion, or hazardous materials emergency in Garrett County. When the Fire Investigator has reason to believe that a fire, explosion, or hazardous materials incident may be the result of a violation of any law, the Investigator may immediately take custody of and safeguard all physical evidence in connection with the incident.
(Res. 2022-7, passed 7-11-2022)