Ch. 398 LAWS OF MARYLAND

a certain number of members of the fire companies in the respective counties may
be appointed deputy sheriffs by the sheriffs of the respective counties to perform
as fire police; making applicable to Somerset County certain provisions of law
relating to the powers and limitation on the functions of fire police and to the
training required of fire police; and generally relating to the appointment of
certain members of fire companies in Somerset County as deputy sheriffs to
function as fire police.

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article 87 - Sheriffs
Section 53

Annotated Code of Maryland
(1985 Replacement Volume and 1989 Supplement)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article 87 - Sheriffs

53.

(a) The provisions of the foregoing sections in this subtitle shall only apply to
Allegany, Baltimore, Cecil, Harford, Queen Anne's and Washington counties, but the
powers conferred by virtue hereof upon members of fire companies shall not apply or be
exercised in incorporated cities, towns or villages which maintain an organized or
regular police force.

(b) (1) The provisions of this subtitle are applicable in Carroll County, Cecil
County, Frederick County, Kent County, SOMERSET COUNTY, Wicomico County,
and Worcester County, respectively, except as modified in this section. Twelve members
of each fire company may be designated by the captain, chief, or other commanding
officer of the fire companies of these counties, respectively, and recommended to be
appointed deputy sheriffs by the sheriffs of the several counties. The powers of the
deputies are limited to those necessary to perform their duties when functioning as fire
police at parades, accidents, floods or other emergencies, or at any public function
conducted by, or under the auspices of, any volunteer fire company, or by the sheriff's
department. Such powers may be exercised in incorporated cities, towns, counties, or on
State roadways but only under the discretion and control of the chief of the police force
of the city, town, or State Police. All fire police, when on such duty, and when wearing
a badge of authority, shall be deemed to be performing the duties of their office. In
Frederick County and Carroll County, fire police may also perform traffic control for
public functions held by any municipality, town, group, or committee upon request for
and approval of such services by the sheriff.

(2) At no time shall any fire police use any weapon in the performance of
his duties as described in this section.

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