Montgomery County Fire Chief Corey Smedley Chooses UDC Degree

UDC alumnus Corey Smedley is no stranger to firsts. Thirty years ago, he became the first in his family to earn a bachelor’s degree. Today, he’s the first black fire chief for the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service.

“My mother always told me to get a good education and do my best in whatever I put my mind to,” said Smedley, who was sworn in as Montgomery County fire chief on July 15.

Born in Washington, DC, Smedley was raised primarily by his single mother, who helped him fill out his application to the University of the District of Columbia and apply for financial aid.

“I didn’t know what I wanted to do in life, but if you had an education you had a greater chance of success,” Smedley says.

The new chief has served in several fire departments, including the city of Alexandria, and is also the first African-American chief in that area.

At UDC, Smedley (class of ’94) studied communications, where he developed skills he continues to use today to make a greater impact in his community.

“How do you connect your communications degree to fighting fires and serving the community? I can tell you it’s been a major foundation in how I lead,” he says.

Smedley has already made a video introducing himself to the department. “Being able to communicate well in that space really helps to build that relationship, to build that bond. And I can attribute that to the time I spent at UDC.”

The fire chief already has big plans for the department, including forging partnerships with local universities, including his alma mater. And he has some advice for potential Firebirds.

“I would definitely recommend the university (as a place) to go to get your education,” he says.