DFRS

POLICES & PROCEDURES
Department Of Fire & Rescue Services
Montgomery County, MD


FIREARM QUALIFICATION


 
 
No. 1101
March 7, 1995

PURPOSE
1.0 The Department of Fire and Rescue Services establishes a policy and method to ensure that Department personnel authorized to carry firearms are proficient in their use and meet State training mandates for firearms qualification.

APPLICABILITY
2.0 All Department personnel authorized to carry firearms in the performance of their duties.

DEFINITIONS
3.0 Qualify - Receiving a passing score in a course approved by the Maryland Police Training Commission.
3.1 Authorized Firearm - Authorized firearms are:

  1. The Beretta, model 92D, double action only, 9mm pistol; or equivalent approved by the police armorer and the Director.

  2. The Remington 870 pump shotgun.


POLICY
4.0 The Department of Fire and Rescue Services will provide firearms training and proficiency maintenance for all personnel authorized to carry firearms in the performance of their Departmental duties. Successful annual qualification with Department firearms is mandated for any personnel authorized to carry firearms. 4.1 It is the Department Policy that only one handgun in addition to or in lieu of the issued pistol, will be authorized for use on or off duty.
4.1 It is the Department Policy that only one handgun in addition to or in lieu of the issued pistol, will be authorized for use on or off duty.
4.2 All personnel authorized to carry firearms may carry their issued weapon or equivalent if approved when off duty.
4.3 No person, with the exception of a Montgomery County Police armorer, or other authorized factory repair station, will repair Department-issued weapons. Personnel must not adjust, modify, or tamper with the tension screw, trigger, hammer, mechanisms, or sear. When an issued pistol is in need of repair, the Investigation Section Supervisor will seek the most expedient repair facility. If the pistol cannot be repaired immediately, it will be replaced with the Fire Investigation Section's spare.
4.4 Personnel authorized to carry firearms are to ensure that their weapon is concealed when in public view. The issued pancake holster and shoulder harness holster (purchased by the individual) are approved for duty. The pancake holster and shoulder holster must be equipped with a thumb break to secure the weapon.
4.5 Off-duty personnel authorized to carry firearms may use an approved "fanny pack" holster. The "fanny pack" holster must have been manufactured as a holster and use either velcro or zippers to access the weapon. The "fanny pack" holster must have a method of securing the weapon.
4.6 The day-to-day use of thigh holsters or ankle holsters is prohibited. However, personnel on special assignment may be authorized to use thigh or ankle holsters by the Division of Fire Investigations Captain.
4.7 The use of shotguns by trained and qualified personnel must be approved in advance by the Fire Marshal, or in his absence, the Director.

RESPONSIBILITY
5.0 The Director or his designee must ensure that no Fire Investigator or other authorized personnel exercise police or arrest responsibilities if they fail to qualify with an issued or required firearm.
5.1 The Fire Investigation Division Training Coordinator is responsible for arranging annual firearms qualification.
5.2 Fire Investigators are required to wear their weapons while on duty. Weapons must be stored, cleaned and worn in a safe and responsible manner.

PROCEDURE
6.0 Fire investigators and other personnel authorized to carry firearms must qualify annually with the issued handgun, and Department shotguns.
6.1 When authorized personnel are issued a replacement pistol, they must qualify with the weapon within 30 calendar days.
6.2 The Fire Investigation Division Training Coordinator will notify the Director, in writing, via the Life Safety Services Bureau Chief, of any Fire Investigator or other authorized personnel who fail to qualify with a Department required firearm.
6.3 Any Fire Investigator or other authorized person who fails to qualify with a required firearm must receive remedial training and qualify within 30 calendar days. Training will be provided by the Fire Investigation Division.
6.4 Continued exercise of Fire Investigator's police authority and responsibility is dependent upon successful completion of remedial training and firearms qualifications.

CANCELLATION
7.0 This policy cancels #1101, Firearms Qualification, Dated July 17, 1988.