About Corey
Chief Corey Smedley has more than 30 years of experience in public safety and service.
His distinguished career began in the U.S. Army Reserves and progressed through fire service leadership roles in Prince George’s County, Md., the City of Alexandria, Va., and his current role, as Chief of Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service in Montgomery County, Md.
Chief Smedley served in the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department, where he rose through the ranks to Deputy Fire Chief. In 2015, he joined the Alexandria Fire Department as the Deputy Chief of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. His leadership and commitment to continuous improvement led to his promotion to Assistant Chief, and ultimately, to being named Fire/EMS Chief for the City of Alexandria in 2019.
In July 2024, Chief Smedley made history by becoming the first external candidate appointed as Fire Chief of Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service.
Throughout his career, Chief Smedley has been a champion of building strong community relationships and aligning departmental priorities with public expectations. His tenure has been marked by a commitment to continuous improvement through initiatives such as accreditation efforts, enhanced staffing levels, and a comprehensive health and safety program that includes proactive cancer screenings.
In Alexandria, he led the department's inaugural collective bargaining agreement and since joining Montgomery County, he has also shown great support to the county’s combination system – emphasizing the importance of career and volunteer collaboration in emergency response operations.
Chief Smedley is especially proud of his ability to connect with people and inspire collaborative progress. He is deeply committed to mentoring others, helping them advance in their careers, and preparing the next generation of fire service leaders. His vision is to develop a strong cadre of professionals capable of anticipating change and leading the industry forward.
Above all, Chief Smedley values the opportunity to serve alongside dedicated civilians, firefighters, paramedics, and volunteers, witnessing their growth and success as they serve the community together.
Chief Smedley and his wife, Yolonda, are proud parents of three adult children. Two of their children work in public service, while the third is pursuing a degree in psychology.
